Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park.

Congress` Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP`s Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers.

Uddhav is the first member of the Thackeray family to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the third Shiv Sena leader to hold the top post after Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane.

He is leading a government of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibbal, KTS Tulsi, MK Stalin, SK Shinde, Sanjay Raut, and Prithviraj Chavan, MNS leader and Uddhav`s cousin Raj Thackeray were among several leaders who attended the oath-taking ceremony.

On Tuesday, Thackeray had been unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi.

&nbsp;

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park. Congress` Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP`s Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers. Uddhav is the first member of the Thackeray family to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the third Shiv Sena leader to hold the top post after Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane. He is leading a government of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibbal, KTS Tulsi, MK Stalin, SK Shinde, Sanjay Raut, and Prithviraj Chavan, MNS leader and Uddhav`s cousin Raj Thackeray were among several leaders who attended the oath-taking ceremony. On Tuesday, Thackeray had been unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Maharashtra: Six others take oath as ministers of Uddhav-led 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister</a> and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

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Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeofUT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeofUT</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1200048700556492802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thackeray took oath as Maharashtra CM, putting an end to the month-long political impasse in the state. Thackeray is the leader of the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance which has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. @OfficeofUT — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2019 × Thackeray took oath as Maharashtra CM, putting an end to the month-long political impasse in the state. Thackeray is the leader of the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance which has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

He will work diligently for Maharashtra's bright future: PM Modi congratulates Uddhav Thackeray

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening.

Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

"I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said.

He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party."

The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office.

According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening.

Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24.

Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard. "I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said. He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party." The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office. According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening. Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24. Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

Not taking oath today, says Ajit Pawar; 6 leaders form Sena, Congress, NCP to take oath

NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday confirmed that the only Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government will be from his party while the post of Assembly Speaker will go to the Congress.

"There will be only one Deputy Chief Minister and that will be from the NCP," he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena MLAs.

"How many ministers take the oath will be decided tonight. One or two MLAs from each party will take oath as ministers. The Speaker has been decided by all three parties. The Speaker will be from the Congress and Deputy Speaker from the NCP," added Patel.

The NCP leader, however, also clarified that "it is not decided yet how many ministers will take the oath with the Chief Minister tomorrow."

Uddhav Thackeray is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on November 28 and form a government led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the state.

"As requested today orally, the oath of office and secrecy would be administered to you (Uddhav Thackeray) on Thursday, November 28, 2019, at 18:40 hrs at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai," the Governor said in a letter on Tuesday.

MLAs of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena had met the Governor and submitted a letter declaring Shiv Sena Chief Udhhav Thackeray as their leader late on Tuesday, following which, Koshyari issued the directives.

On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance. This comes after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".&nbsp;

NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday confirmed that the only Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government will be from his party while the post of Assembly Speaker will go to the Congress.

NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday confirmed that the only Deputy Chief Minister in the new Maharashtra government will be from his party while the post of Assembly Speaker will go to the Congress. "There will be only one Deputy Chief Minister and that will be from the NCP," he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena MLAs. "How many ministers take the oath will be decided tonight. One or two MLAs from each party will take oath as ministers. The Speaker has been decided by all three parties. The Speaker will be from the Congress and Deputy Speaker from the NCP," added Patel. The NCP leader, however, also clarified that "it is not decided yet how many ministers will take the oath with the Chief Minister tomorrow." Uddhav Thackeray is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on November 28 and form a government led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the state. "As requested today orally, the oath of office and secrecy would be administered to you (Uddhav Thackeray) on Thursday, November 28, 2019, at 18:40 hrs at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai," the Governor said in a letter on Tuesday. MLAs of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena had met the Governor and submitted a letter declaring Shiv Sena Chief Udhhav Thackeray as their leader late on Tuesday, following which, Koshyari issued the directives. On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance. This comes after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".

Deputy CM to be from NCP, Congress to have Assembly Speaker: Praful Patel

Apart from the Chief Minister portfolio, Shiv Sena will have 15 ministers in Maharashtra cabinet while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers, sources said on Wednesday.

Congress will have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers. "Apart from Chief Minister, Shiv Sena to have 15 ministers, NCP to have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers. Congress to have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers," sources told ANI.

This comes amid the ongoing talks of Maha Vikas Aghadi of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena to give shape to the new government to be formed under Uddhav Thackeray.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said the sharing of portfolios among the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the next state government will be finalised in a couple of days.

After the BJP-led government collapsed on Tuesday, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress along with some small allies and Independents have chosen Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is scheduled take oath on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm.

The oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected MLAs was conducted in Maharashtra Assembly in a special session on Wednesday after days of political uncertainty in the state.

They were administered oath by newly appointed pro-tem speaker Kalidas Kolambkar here at the Raj Bhavan.

Today's session comes a day after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister merely three days after he took oath in a controversial turn of events.

Yesterday evening, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government, following which the Governor announced that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Apart from the Chief Minister portfolio, Shiv Sena will have 15 ministers in Maharashtra cabinet while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers, sources said on Wednesday.

Apart from the Chief Minister portfolio, Shiv Sena will have 15 ministers in Maharashtra cabinet while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers, sources said on Wednesday. Congress will have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers. "Apart from Chief Minister, Shiv Sena to have 15 ministers, NCP to have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers. Congress to have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers," sources told ANI. This comes amid the ongoing talks of Maha Vikas Aghadi of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena to give shape to the new government to be formed under Uddhav Thackeray. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said the sharing of portfolios among the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the next state government will be finalised in a couple of days. After the BJP-led government collapsed on Tuesday, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress along with some small allies and Independents have chosen Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is scheduled take oath on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm. The oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected MLAs was conducted in Maharashtra Assembly in a special session on Wednesday after days of political uncertainty in the state. They were administered oath by newly appointed pro-tem speaker Kalidas Kolambkar here at the Raj Bhavan. Today's session comes a day after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister merely three days after he took oath in a controversial turn of events. Yesterday evening, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government, following which the Governor announced that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state.

Maharashtra: NCP to get Deputy CM portfolio, Assembly Speaker to be from Congress

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will meet former finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-enforcement-directorate-visits-tihar-jail-to-interrogate-p-chidambaram-263847">P Chidambaram </a>here at Tihar Jail on Wednesday.

Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader, is currently lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him last month in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court adjourned for November 27 the hearing of an appeal filed by Chidambaram challenging Delhi High Court order denying him bail in the INX Media money laundering case being probed by the ED.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case. The Congress leader was first arrested by the CBI on August 21 in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later.

He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16. He is presently in judicial custody till November 27.&nbsp;

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will meet former finance minister P Chidambaram here at Tihar Jail on Wednesday. Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader, is currently lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him last month in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will meet former finance minister P Chidambaram here at Tihar Jail on Wednesday. Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader, is currently lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him last month in connection with the INX Media money laundering case. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court adjourned for November 27 the hearing of an appeal filed by Chidambaram challenging Delhi High Court order denying him bail in the INX Media money laundering case being probed by the ED. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case. The Congress leader was first arrested by the CBI on August 21 in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later. He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16. He is presently in judicial custody till November 27.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi to meet Chidambaram at Tihar jail tomorrow

An ambitious "phase two" trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;between the United States and&nbsp;China&nbsp;is looking less likely as the two countries struggle to strike a preliminary "phase one" agreement, according to&nbsp;US&nbsp;and Beijing&nbsp;officials, lawmakers and trade experts.

In October,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-us-navy-chief-richard-spencer-over-seal-case-264270">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> said during a press conference with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-trade-deal-may-not-be-signed-this-year-263497"> Chinese vice-premier Liu He</a> that he expected to quickly dive into a second phase of talks once "phase one" had been completed. The second phase would focus on a key&nbsp;US&nbsp;complaint that&nbsp;China&nbsp;effectively steals&nbsp;US&nbsp;intellectual property by forcing&nbsp;US&nbsp;companies to transfer their technology to Chinese rivals, he said at the time.

But the November 2020&nbsp;US&nbsp;presidential election, the difficulties in getting the first-stage done, combined with the White House's reluctance to work with other countries to pressure Beijing are dimming hopes for anything more ambitious in the near future, the sources said.

The 16-month trade war with&nbsp;China&nbsp;has thrown&nbsp;US&nbsp;businesses and farmers into turmoil, disrupted global supply chains and been a drag on economies worldwide. Failure to address a key reason it was started is already raising questions about whether the sacrifice has been worth it. Meanwhile, many of Beijing's trade practices that many free-market economies see as unfair remain unaddressed.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that the signing of a phase one&nbsp;deal&nbsp;could slide into next year as the two countries tussle over Beijing's demand for more extensive tariff rollbacks.

Officials&nbsp;in Beijing&nbsp;say&nbsp;they don't anticipate sitting down to discuss&nbsp;a phase two&nbsp;deal&nbsp;before the&nbsp;US&nbsp;election, in part because they want to wait to see if Trump wins a second term.

"It's Trump who wants to sign these&nbsp;deals, not us. We can wait," one Chinese official told Reuters.

Representative Jim Costa, a California Democrat who sits on two key agricultural committees, said in Congress on Wednesday that "pragmatic" Chinese sources had told him the same thing.

Trump's main priority at the moment is to secure a big phase one announcement, locking in big-ticket Chinese purchases of&nbsp;US&nbsp;agricultural goods that he can tout as an important win during his re-election campaign, according to a Trump administration official.

After that,&nbsp;China&nbsp;could recede somewhat on Trump's policy agenda as he turns to domestic issues, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He will probably leave other major contentious issues&nbsp;to senior aides, who are likely to continue pushing Beijing over the theft of&nbsp;US&nbsp;intellectual property, its militarization of the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea and its human rights record, the official said.

"As soon as we finish phase one we're going to start negotiating phase two," a second administration official said. "As far as timing around when a phase two&nbsp;deal&nbsp;could be completed, that's not something I can speculate on."

The Trump White House initially laid out ambitious plans to restructure the United States' relationship with&nbsp;China, including addressing what a 2018 United States Trade Representative investigation concluded were Beijing's "unfair, unreasonable, and market-distorting practices."

There is broad bipartisan support for Trump's drive to hold&nbsp;China&nbsp;accountable for years of economic espionage, cyber-attacks, forced technology transfer and dumping of low-priced goods made with hefty government subsidies.

But many of these critical concerns will not be addressed in phase one agreement, which focuses on&nbsp;China's&nbsp;agricultural product buys, tariff rollbacks, and includes some intellectual property pledges.

"That's the easy stuff," said Costa. The harder issues&nbsp;are "industrial espionage, copyrights, complying with those issues, privacy and security issues."

Further complicating the issue, Trump's economic advisers are split: some are pushing Trump to agree to a quick phase one&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to appease markets and business executives, others want him to push for a more comprehensive agreement.

Beijing&nbsp;officials, meanwhile, are baulking at pursuing larger structural changes to managing&nbsp;China's economy, anxious not to appear to be kowtowing to&nbsp;US&nbsp;interests.

Both&nbsp;China&nbsp;and the United States have a clear interest in getting a phase one&nbsp;deal&nbsp;completed relatively soon to soothe markets and assuage domestic policy concerns, said Matthew Goodman, a former&nbsp;US&nbsp;government official and trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He sees a good chance that the two sides will hammer out some phase one&nbsp;deal, but is far less convinced that a broader&nbsp;deal&nbsp;can be reached before the election. One key problem, he said, was the continued lack of a coherent&nbsp;US&nbsp;strategy for&nbsp;dealing with&nbsp;China.

"I think phase one probably will happen because both presidents want it," Goodman said at a Congressional briefing last week. But he said&nbsp;China&nbsp;was less willing now to make structural changes that might have been possible in the spring. "They're not going to do those things," he said.

Josh Kallmer, a former official with the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office and now executive vice president of the Information Technology Industry Council, said it was "technically possible, but hard to imagine" that the United States and Beijing could negotiate a phase two&nbsp;deal&nbsp;in the next year.

The United States needs better coordination with its allies to pressure&nbsp;China&nbsp;to make urgently needed structural changes, including ending the forced transfer of technology and better intellectual property protections, trade experts and former&nbsp;officials&nbsp;say.

Europe and other&nbsp;US&nbsp;allies have been reluctant to join Washington's pressure campaign on Beijing, partly due to frustration with the administration's focus on unilateral action and in part due to their reliance on Chinese investment.

"We need an international coalition to successfully attack phase two," said Kellie Meiman Hock, managing partner at McLarty Associates, a trade consulting group in Washington.

An ambitious "phase two" trade deal between the United States and China is looking less likely as the two countries struggle to strike a preliminary "phase one" agreement, according to US and Beijing officials, lawmakers and trade experts.

An ambitious "phase two" trade deal between the United States and China is looking less likely as the two countries struggle to strike a preliminary "phase one" agreement, according to US and Beijing officials, lawmakers and trade experts. In October, US President Donald Trump said during a press conference with Chinese vice-premier Liu He that he expected to quickly dive into a second phase of talks once "phase one" had been completed. The second phase would focus on a key US complaint that China effectively steals US intellectual property by forcing US companies to transfer their technology to Chinese rivals, he said at the time. But the November 2020 US presidential election, the difficulties in getting the first-stage done, combined with the White House's reluctance to work with other countries to pressure Beijing are dimming hopes for anything more ambitious in the near future, the sources said. The 16-month trade war with China has thrown US businesses and farmers into turmoil, disrupted global supply chains and been a drag on economies worldwide. Failure to address a key reason it was started is already raising questions about whether the sacrifice has been worth it. Meanwhile, many of Beijing's trade practices that many free-market economies see as unfair remain unaddressed. Reuters reported on Wednesday that the signing of a phase one deal could slide into next year as the two countries tussle over Beijing's demand for more extensive tariff rollbacks. Officials in Beijing say they don't anticipate sitting down to discuss a phase two deal before the US election, in part because they want to wait to see if Trump wins a second term. "It's Trump who wants to sign these deals, not us. We can wait," one Chinese official told Reuters. Representative Jim Costa, a California Democrat who sits on two key agricultural committees, said in Congress on Wednesday that "pragmatic" Chinese sources had told him the same thing. Trump's main priority at the moment is to secure a big phase one announcement, locking in big-ticket Chinese purchases of US agricultural goods that he can tout as an important win during his re-election campaign, according to a Trump administration official. After that, China could recede somewhat on Trump's policy agenda as he turns to domestic issues, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He will probably leave other major contentious issues to senior aides, who are likely to continue pushing Beijing over the theft of US intellectual property, its militarization of the South China Sea and its human rights record, the official said. "As soon as we finish phase one we're going to start negotiating phase two," a second administration official said. "As far as timing around when a phase two deal could be completed, that's not something I can speculate on." The Trump White House initially laid out ambitious plans to restructure the United States' relationship with China, including addressing what a 2018 United States Trade Representative investigation concluded were Beijing's "unfair, unreasonable, and market-distorting practices." There is broad bipartisan support for Trump's drive to hold China accountable for years of economic espionage, cyber-attacks, forced technology transfer and dumping of low-priced goods made with hefty government subsidies. But many of these critical concerns will not be addressed in phase one agreement, which focuses on China's agricultural product buys, tariff rollbacks, and includes some intellectual property pledges. "That's the easy stuff," said Costa. The harder issues are "industrial espionage, copyrights, complying with those issues, privacy and security issues." Further complicating the issue, Trump's economic advisers are split: some are pushing Trump to agree to a quick phase one deal to appease markets and business executives, others want him to push for a more comprehensive agreement. Beijing officials, meanwhile, are baulking at pursuing larger structural changes to managing China's economy, anxious not to appear to be kowtowing to US interests. Both China and the United States have a clear interest in getting a phase one deal completed relatively soon to soothe markets and assuage domestic policy concerns, said Matthew Goodman, a former US government official and trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He sees a good chance that the two sides will hammer out some phase one deal, but is far less convinced that a broader deal can be reached before the election. One key problem, he said, was the continued lack of a coherent US strategy for dealing with China. "I think phase one probably will happen because both presidents want it," Goodman said at a Congressional briefing last week. But he said China was less willing now to make structural changes that might have been possible in the spring. "They're not going to do those things," he said. Josh Kallmer, a former official with the US Trade Representative's office and now executive vice president of the Information Technology Industry Council, said it was "technically possible, but hard to imagine" that the United States and Beijing could negotiate a phase two deal in the next year. The United States needs better coordination with its allies to pressure China to make urgently needed structural changes, including ending the forced transfer of technology and better intellectual property protections, trade experts and former officials say. Europe and other US allies have been reluctant to join Washington's pressure campaign on Beijing, partly due to frustration with the administration's focus on unilateral action and in part due to their reliance on Chinese investment. "We need an international coalition to successfully attack phase two," said Kellie Meiman Hock, managing partner at McLarty Associates, a trade consulting group in Washington.

No 'phase two' US-China deal, officials say

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-be-campaigning-in-jharkhand-looking-forward-to-be-among-people-of-great-state-tweets-pm-modi-264288">prime minister </a>on Monday slammed Congress for its inability to resolve the issue of Ayodhya and Jammu and Kashmir to protect its vote bank in his rally for the upcoming polls in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-polls-prime-minister-modi-likely-to-address-5-to-8-rallies-262619">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>was addressing his first rally in the state in Daltonganj for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

"The Congress follows the policy of procrastination so that it can keep collecting votes. The party kept the issue of article 370 pending. We had promised a resolution and we fulfilled it. The Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya had lingered for decades. The Congress could have resolved it, if it so wanted, but it chose to hurt the society, the country to protect its vote bank. See, today the dispute stands resolved," the prime minister said.

The prime minister, in his speech, also spoke on the connection between Lord Rama with tribals (Adivasis). It should be noted that the state of Jharkhand has a significant tribal population.&nbsp;

"The Adivasis had shown the direction to even Lord Rama. When Lord Rama was in Ayodhya, he was called a Prince. When he left Ayodhya for 'Vanvaas' (exile) and returned back after 14 years he was called 'Maryada Purushottam'. This showed that the transformation in Lord Rama took place because, during his exile, he spent time with Adivasis.&nbsp;

The prime minister also asserted to tribals that the BJP is committed to protect their rights: 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest and land)." He also said that under the administration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a separate ministry was established for the welfare of tribals.

PM Modi also praised the Jharkhand government led by Raghubar Das for tackling the issue of Naxalism in the state. He said that when he first visited Jharkhand in 2014, the state was badly affected by Naxalism and violence because of which the state lagged behind other states on developmental&nbsp;issues.

"But the BJP government changed this. We have been able to eliminate Naxalism because our intent is clear and we are working with honesty," Modi said.&nbsp;

He also accused Congress of using Naxals for political gains, adding that in the past five years, the government is able to eliminate this issue by bringing the disgruntled youth into the mainstream.&nbsp;

Calling the election as a contest between those who 'serve' and those who 'loot', the PM added: The Congress has problems, we have the solutions. They have accusations, we have the report of the work we have done. They have empty promises, we have the proof of development".&nbsp;

PM Modi also said that the party was committed to the five principles of social justice, stability, good governance, prosperity, respect for all and security.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at former governments of the state, the prime minister said that earlier governments were formed through back door. Alliances were formed in the state by those who were driven by the lust for power and who exploited the resources of the state.&nbsp;

The prime minister said that the Das government worked day and night to end corruption, bring transparency and set up institutional mechanisms.&nbsp;

He also added that the "double-engine" growth in Jharkhand was only possible because, in the Centre and state, BJP government was in power.&nbsp;

"The benefits of double-engine growth are many. There is continuity of development....no political games are played," PM said.

The elections of Jharkhand will be held in five phases beginning from November 30.&nbsp;Daltonganj will vote in the phase.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The prime minister on Monday slammed Congress for its inability to resolve the issue of Ayodhya and Jammu and Kashmir to protect its vote bank in his rally for the upcoming polls in Jharkhand.

The prime minister on Monday slammed Congress for its inability to resolve the issue of Ayodhya and Jammu and Kashmir to protect its vote bank in his rally for the upcoming polls in Jharkhand. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing his first rally in the state in Daltonganj for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand. "The Congress follows the policy of procrastination so that it can keep collecting votes. The party kept the issue of article 370 pending. We had promised a resolution and we fulfilled it. The Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya had lingered for decades. The Congress could have resolved it, if it so wanted, but it chose to hurt the society, the country to protect its vote bank. See, today the dispute stands resolved," the prime minister said. The prime minister, in his speech, also spoke on the connection between Lord Rama with tribals (Adivasis). It should be noted that the state of Jharkhand has a significant tribal population. "The Adivasis had shown the direction to even Lord Rama. When Lord Rama was in Ayodhya, he was called a Prince. When he left Ayodhya for 'Vanvaas' (exile) and returned back after 14 years he was called 'Maryada Purushottam'. This showed that the transformation in Lord Rama took place because, during his exile, he spent time with Adivasis. The prime minister also asserted to tribals that the BJP is committed to protect their rights: 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest and land)." He also said that under the administration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a separate ministry was established for the welfare of tribals. PM Modi also praised the Jharkhand government led by Raghubar Das for tackling the issue of Naxalism in the state. He said that when he first visited Jharkhand in 2014, the state was badly affected by Naxalism and violence because of which the state lagged behind other states on developmental issues. "But the BJP government changed this. We have been able to eliminate Naxalism because our intent is clear and we are working with honesty," Modi said. He also accused Congress of using Naxals for political gains, adding that in the past five years, the government is able to eliminate this issue by bringing the disgruntled youth into the mainstream. Calling the election as a contest between those who 'serve' and those who 'loot', the PM added: The Congress has problems, we have the solutions. They have accusations, we have the report of the work we have done. They have empty promises, we have the proof of development". PM Modi also said that the party was committed to the five principles of social justice, stability, good governance, prosperity, respect for all and security. Taking a jibe at former governments of the state, the prime minister said that earlier governments were formed through back door. Alliances were formed in the state by those who were driven by the lust for power and who exploited the resources of the state. The prime minister said that the Das government worked day and night to end corruption, bring transparency and set up institutional mechanisms. He also added that the "double-engine" growth in Jharkhand was only possible because, in the Centre and state, BJP government was in power. "The benefits of double-engine growth are many. There is continuity of development....no political games are played," PM said. The elections of Jharkhand will be held in five phases beginning from November 30. Daltonganj will vote in the phase. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi slams Congress over Ayodhya, Article 370 issue

The MLAs of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-leads-party-protest-in-parliament-premises-over-maharashtra-government-formation-264311">Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP </a>pledged on Monday that they will be honest with their parties and will not do anything which will benefit BJP at a Mumbai hotel.

"I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP", said the MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, where they are 
lodged to a avoid horse-trading.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress MLAs assembled at Hotel Hyatt take a pledge, "I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray &amp; Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP". <a href="https://t.co/CV8VhOmKl1">pic.twitter.com/CV8VhOmKl1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198977528477736960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Senior leaders of three parties were also present at the hotel including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya Thackeray, Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, NCP legislative party leader Jayant Patil along with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan and others submitted a letter to the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari which mentioned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weve-given-letter-citing-support-of-162-mlas-to-maharashtra-governor-eknath-shinde-264362">support of 162 MLAs</a>. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties. Senior Shiv Sena Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties at the hotel.

A majority of 145 MLAs are required to form government in Maharashtra.

The Supreme Court, on Monday, reserved its order, on the joint petition filed by Sena, Congress and NCP against the formation of BJP government in Maharashtra. &nbsp;

In a surprising development, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis </a>took oath as Maharashtra CM after getting support from senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar on wee hours on Saturday. Ajit was sworn in as deputy CM. Before the oath-swearing ceremony, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were on the verge of finalising 
their power-sharing deal in order to form government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

NCP chief has denied any deal with BJP as the party stripped Ajit from the post of party's legislative leader. However, Ajit has reiterated that he will not leave NCP. NCP has repeatedly said that it will form the government with Sena and Congress.

The BJP-Shiv Sena fought the Assembly election together but the long-time allies had a fallout over the post of chief ministership after which Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena started working on forming an alliance.&nbsp;

In the Assembly elections results announced on Oct 24, BJP had won the maximum number of seats (105). Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively.

The MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP pledged on Monday that they will be honest with their parties and will not do anything which will benefit BJP at a Mumbai hotel.

The MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP pledged on Monday that they will be honest with their parties and will not do anything which will benefit BJP at a Mumbai hotel. "I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP", said the MLAs of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, where they are lodged to a avoid horse-trading. #WATCH Mumbai: Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress MLAs assembled at Hotel Hyatt take a pledge, "I swear that under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray & Sonia Gandhi, I will be honest to my party. I won't get lured by anything. I will not do anything which will benefit BJP". pic.twitter.com/CV8VhOmKl1 — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2019 × Senior leaders of three parties were also present at the hotel including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya Thackeray, Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. Earlier in the day, NCP legislative party leader Jayant Patil along with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan and others submitted a letter to the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari which mentioned the support of 162 MLAs. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties. Senior Shiv Sena Sanjay Raut invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to "come and watch" the show of strength of the three parties at the hotel. A majority of 145 MLAs are required to form government in Maharashtra. The Supreme Court, on Monday, reserved its order, on the joint petition filed by Sena, Congress and NCP against the formation of BJP government in Maharashtra. In a surprising development, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra CM after getting support from senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar on wee hours on Saturday. Ajit was sworn in as deputy CM. Before the oath-swearing ceremony, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were on the verge of finalising their power-sharing deal in order to form government in Maharashtra. NCP chief has denied any deal with BJP as the party stripped Ajit from the post of party's legislative leader. However, Ajit has reiterated that he will not leave NCP. NCP has repeatedly said that it will form the government with Sena and Congress. The BJP-Shiv Sena fought the Assembly election together but the long-time allies had a fallout over the post of chief ministership after which Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena started working on forming an alliance. In the Assembly elections results announced on Oct 24, BJP had won the maximum number of seats (105). Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively.

'We will not do anything to benefit BJP,' MLAs pledge to be honest to Sena-NCP-Congress alliance

Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said that the post-poll alliance between NCP and Shiv Sarties under the guidance of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.

"Earlier today. All together for Maharashtra's #MahaStrength," Aaditya said retweeting a photo shared by Supriya Sule after today's meeting of NCP MLAs presided by Sharad Pawar which saw Uddhav Thackeray also attend.

The photo showed Aaditya standing with Sena's Sanjay Raut and NCP's Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar. He also retweeted another tweet by the official handle of the NCP with photos from the meeting, with both party chiefs.

The NCP meeting was called to explain the current scenario in Maharashtra to the party MLAs.

Later on, Uddhav Thackeray addressed a meeting of his party's MLAs to discuss the existing situation in Maharashtra.

Meanwhile Sharad Pawar, through a tweet today expressed confidence that his party will form the government with the Congress and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and it had no plans to ally with the BJP.

"There is no question of forming an alliance with the BJP. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with Shiv Sena and Congress to form the government. Ajit Pawar's statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," Sharad Pawar's tweet read.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said that the post-poll alliance between NCP and Shiv Sarties under the guidance of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. "Earlier today.

Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said that the post-poll alliance between NCP and Shiv Sarties under the guidance of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. "Earlier today. All together for Maharashtra's #MahaStrength," Aaditya said retweeting a photo shared by Supriya Sule after today's meeting of NCP MLAs presided by Sharad Pawar which saw Uddhav Thackeray also attend. The photo showed Aaditya standing with Sena's Sanjay Raut and NCP's Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar. He also retweeted another tweet by the official handle of the NCP with photos from the meeting, with both party chiefs. The NCP meeting was called to explain the current scenario in Maharashtra to the party MLAs. Later on, Uddhav Thackeray addressed a meeting of his party's MLAs to discuss the existing situation in Maharashtra. Meanwhile Sharad Pawar, through a tweet today expressed confidence that his party will form the government with the Congress and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and it had no plans to ally with the BJP. "There is no question of forming an alliance with the BJP. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with Shiv Sena and Congress to form the government. Ajit Pawar's statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," Sharad Pawar's tweet read.

Congress-NCP together for Maharashtra's 'Maha strength': Aaditya Thackeray

Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress' joint plea against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">government formation by the BJP in Maharashtra</a> will be heard by the Supreme Court on Sunday at around 11.30 am, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Uddhav Thackeray-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-political-tussle-shiv-sena-files-petition-in-supreme-court-against-devendra-fadnavis-ajit-pawars-oath-taking-264109">Shiv Sena filed a writ petition</a> on Saturday in the Supreme Court against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-hai-to-mumkin-hai-devendra-fadnavis-assures-stable-government-in-maharashtra-264088">Devendra Fadnavis</a> and Ajit Pawar oath-taking as Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy CM respectively.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar.

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Supreme Court to hear on tomorrow at 11.30 am the joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Indian National Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form the government on November 23. <a href="https://t.co/Be4lMgmSNH">pic.twitter.com/Be4lMgmSNH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198270989672435718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state.

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Nawab Malik, NCP after meeting of party MLAs: A resolution was passed unanimously that party does not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision&amp;he has been removed as NCP legislative party leader.Till the election of new leader,Jayant Patil is given responsibilities of the post. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/4PwefMVk71">pic.twitter.com/4PwefMVk71</a>
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The move came at a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the government formation had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

Meanwhile, the NCP has passed a unanimous resolution to not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision. Pawar has been removed as NCP legislative party leader and until a new leader is elected, senior leader Jayant Patil is vested with the responsibilities of the post.

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In its swift move in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>, the BJP gave out a definitive message - it didn't want to repeat what happened in Karnataka. 
 
Watch WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/kartikeya_1975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kartikeya_1975</a> decode the unexpected chain of events in Maharashtra's ongoing political tussle <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraPolitics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraPolitics</a> <a href="https://t.co/YQfpEUE3kE">pic.twitter.com/YQfpEUE3kE</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1198206287407804416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM.

Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut had said on Friday that Thackeray had given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress' joint plea against government formation by the BJP in Maharashtra will be heard by the Supreme Court on Sunday at around 11.

Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress' joint plea against government formation by the BJP in Maharashtra will be heard by the Supreme Court on Sunday at around 11.30 am, news agency ANI reported. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena filed a writ petition on Saturday in the Supreme Court against Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar oath-taking as Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy CM respectively. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. Supreme Court to hear on tomorrow at 11.30 am the joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Indian National Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form the government on November 23. pic.twitter.com/Be4lMgmSNH — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. Nawab Malik, NCP after meeting of party MLAs: A resolution was passed unanimously that party does not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision&he has been removed as NCP legislative party leader.Till the election of new leader,Jayant Patil is given responsibilities of the post. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/4PwefMVk71 — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × The move came at a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the government formation had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Meanwhile, the NCP has passed a unanimous resolution to not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision. Pawar has been removed as NCP legislative party leader and until a new leader is elected, senior leader Jayant Patil is vested with the responsibilities of the post. In its swift move in #Maharashtra, the BJP gave out a definitive message - it didn't want to repeat what happened in Karnataka. Watch WION's @kartikeya_1975 decode the unexpected chain of events in Maharashtra's ongoing political tussle #MaharashtraPolitics pic.twitter.com/YQfpEUE3kE — WION (@WIONews) November 23, 2019 × NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM. Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut had said on Friday that Thackeray had given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister. (With inputs from ANI)

Maharashtra: NCP, Shiv Sena, Congress challenge government formation by BJP; SC to hear plea today

The Supreme Court on Sunday while hearing the NCP-Sena-Congress joint plea against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra remarked that the "sky is the limit for Supreme Court" and "anybody can ask for anything in Court".

The remark was made by Justice NV Ramana when senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the BJP, questioned the plea filed by Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena.

"In this court, the sky is the limit, anybody can ask for anything. Any person can ask to make him the Prime Minister," observed Justice NV Ramana.

The Bench consisting Justice Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna, asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents including Maharashtra Governor's letter inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10 am tomorrow.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi while arguing on behalf of BJP in Supreme Court appealed the court not to pass an order to fix the date for the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly and asserted that Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has committed no "illegality".

"There is no need for the court to pass order today. There was no illegality in the Governor's decision. The court should not pass an order to fix the date of the floor test. The three parties here have no fundamental rights," said Rohatgi."

There are some things that are with the President which are not even open to judicial intervention," he argued.

At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Devendra Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, with NCP's Ajit Pawar as his Deputy Chief Minister.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to the Renaissance Hotel here on Saturday. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Sunday while hearing the NCP-Sena-Congress joint plea against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra remarked that the "sky is the limit for Supreme Court" and "anybody can ask for anything in Court".

The Supreme Court on Sunday while hearing the NCP-Sena-Congress joint plea against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra remarked that the "sky is the limit for Supreme Court" and "anybody can ask for anything in Court". The remark was made by Justice NV Ramana when senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the BJP, questioned the plea filed by Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena. "In this court, the sky is the limit, anybody can ask for anything. Any person can ask to make him the Prime Minister," observed Justice NV Ramana. The Bench consisting Justice Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna, asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents including Maharashtra Governor's letter inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10 am tomorrow. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi while arguing on behalf of BJP in Supreme Court appealed the court not to pass an order to fix the date for the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly and asserted that Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has committed no "illegality". "There is no need for the court to pass order today. There was no illegality in the Governor's decision. The court should not pass an order to fix the date of the floor test. The three parties here have no fundamental rights," said Rohatgi." There are some things that are with the President which are not even open to judicial intervention," he argued. At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Devendra Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, with NCP's Ajit Pawar as his Deputy Chief Minister. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to the Renaissance Hotel here on Saturday. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Anybody can ask for anything: SC while hearing plea on Maharashtra government formation

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet&nbsp;on Sunday, responded to the cryptic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-in-ncp-will-always-be-ajit-pawar-tweets-out-assures-stable-government-in-maharashtra-264231">tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar</a> on government formation in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Pawar ruled out an alliance between the BJP and the NCP, adding that his party has unanimously decided to ally with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Congress.&nbsp;

"There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena and @INCMaharashtra to form the government," Sharad Pawar's tweet read.

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There is no question of forming an alliance with <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Maharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Maharashtra</a>. 
NCP has unanimously decided to ally with <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivSena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivSena</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/INCMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCMaharashtra</a> to form the government. Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people.
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks/status/1198578943525187585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The NCP chief called Ajit Pawar’s statement "false and misleading".

"Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," he tweeted out.&nbsp;

This comes shortly after NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tweeted out saying that the BJP and the NCP will provide a stable government to Maharashtra for the next five years.&nbsp;

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I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawarSpeaks</a> Saheb is our leader. 
 
Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565018658377728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Ajit Pawar's tweet read.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet on Sunday, responded to the cryptic tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar on government formation in Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet on Sunday, responded to the cryptic tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar on government formation in Maharashtra. Pawar ruled out an alliance between the BJP and the NCP, adding that his party has unanimously decided to ally with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Congress. "There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena and @INCMaharashtra to form the government," Sharad Pawar's tweet read. There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena & @INCMaharashtra to form the government. Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people. — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × The NCP chief called Ajit Pawar’s statement "false and misleading". "Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," he tweeted out. This comes shortly after NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tweeted out saying that the BJP and the NCP will provide a stable government to Maharashtra for the next five years. I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and @PawarSpeaks Saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × "I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Ajit Pawar's tweet read.

Ajit Pawar's statement is false and misleading, no question of forming an alliance with BJP: Sharad Pawar

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party.&nbsp;

Pawar added that the alliance between the BJP and the NCP will give a stable <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-political-crisis-supreme-court-to-pass-appropriate-orders-tomorrow-on-shiv-sena-ncp-congress-plea-264183">government to Maharashtra</a> for the coming five years.

"I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Pawar's tweet read.&nbsp;

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I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawarSpeaks</a> Saheb is our leader. 
 
Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565018658377728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Pawar took to microblogging site Twitter and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his congratulatory message for government formation in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

"Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We will ensure a stable government that will work hard for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra," he had tweeted.&nbsp;

Pawar thanked everyone for their support and urged for "a little patience".

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There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support.
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"There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However, a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support," he tweeted out.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has said that it would pass 'appropriate orders' on Monday on a joint plea of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, inviting BJP's Devendra Fadnavis to form the government in the state on November 23.

The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, Maharashtra government, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

''We request Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents from governor's letter for inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10.30 am tomorrow,'' the top court said in its order. 
&nbsp;

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party.

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party. Pawar added that the alliance between the BJP and the NCP will give a stable government to Maharashtra for the coming five years. "I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Pawar's tweet read. I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and @PawarSpeaks Saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × Earlier in the day, Pawar took to microblogging site Twitter and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his congratulatory message for government formation in Maharashtra. "Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We will ensure a stable government that will work hard for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra," he had tweeted. Pawar thanked everyone for their support and urged for "a little patience". There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × "There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However, a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support," he tweeted out. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has said that it would pass 'appropriate orders' on Monday on a joint plea of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, inviting BJP's Devendra Fadnavis to form the government in the state on November 23. The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, Maharashtra government, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. ''We request Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents from governor's letter for inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10.30 am tomorrow,'' the top court said in its order.

I am in NCP, will always be: Ajit Pawar tweets out, assures stable government in Maharashtra 

A meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group is scheduled at the residence of party`s interim president Sonia Gandhi here on Monday.

Earlier today, the top court had issued notices to the Maharashtra government, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar and the Centre, and asked for relevant documents and letters of support from MLAs by 10 am on November 25.

At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

&nbsp;

A meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group is scheduled at the residence of party`s interim president Sonia Gandhi here on Monday. Earlier today, the top court had issued notices to the Maharashtra government, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar and the Centre, and asked for relevant documents and letters of support from MLAs by 10 am on November 25.

A meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group is scheduled at the residence of party`s interim president Sonia Gandhi here on Monday. Earlier today, the top court had issued notices to the Maharashtra government, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar and the Centre, and asked for relevant documents and letters of support from MLAs by 10 am on November 25. At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group to be held of Monday

Three Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators alleged they were not aware of an oath-ceremony when "they were taken" to Maharashtra Raj Bhavan earlier on Saturday morning and they were with party chief Sharad Pawar.

They made the remarks at a joint press conference addressed by Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The press conference was held hours after Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were sworn-in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively.

NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane said Ajit Pawar had called him to discuss something. "From there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan," he said.

"Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete, I rushed to Pawar sahab and told him I am with Sharad Pawar and NCP. I was taken there without any prior information," he said.

NCP MLAs, Sandip Kshirsagar and Sunil Bhusara, also echoed Shingane's allegations and affirmed their support to Sharad Pawar.

The NCP supremo said that the party will take action against his nephew for lending support to BJP for government formation in the state.

He also said that NCP will elect its new legislative party leader at 4 pm today.

"Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline. No NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government. All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high," Sharad Pawar said.

He said that NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena, which have been in talks will form the government and Fadnavis will not be able to prove his majority.

"I am sure that the Governor has given them time to prove majority but they won't be able to prove it. After that, our three parties will form the government as we had decided earlier," he added.

In a sudden turn of events, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of office to the two leaders.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached a final stage.

The BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Three Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators alleged they were not aware of an oath-ceremony when "they were taken" to Maharashtra Raj Bhavan earlier on Saturday morning and they were with party chief Sharad Pawar.

Three Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators alleged they were not aware of an oath-ceremony when "they were taken" to Maharashtra Raj Bhavan earlier on Saturday morning and they were with party chief Sharad Pawar. They made the remarks at a joint press conference addressed by Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The press conference was held hours after Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were sworn-in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively. NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane said Ajit Pawar had called him to discuss something. "From there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan," he said. "Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete, I rushed to Pawar sahab and told him I am with Sharad Pawar and NCP. I was taken there without any prior information," he said. NCP MLAs, Sandip Kshirsagar and Sunil Bhusara, also echoed Shingane's allegations and affirmed their support to Sharad Pawar. The NCP supremo said that the party will take action against his nephew for lending support to BJP for government formation in the state. He also said that NCP will elect its new legislative party leader at 4 pm today. "Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline. No NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government. All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high," Sharad Pawar said. He said that NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena, which have been in talks will form the government and Fadnavis will not be able to prove his majority. "I am sure that the Governor has given them time to prove majority but they won't be able to prove it. After that, our three parties will form the government as we had decided earlier," he added. In a sudden turn of events, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of office to the two leaders. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached a final stage. The BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Not aware of oath ceremony at Raj Bhavan, say three NCP MLAs

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday congratulated BJP's Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and took a swipe at its former ally, saying Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate by going ahead to form a government with the support of Congress.

"I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis for becoming Maharashtra Chief Minister again. The mandate was given to BJP. Shiv Sena was a part of our alliance and also got votes because of us. But they betrayed the people's mandate. In the last 15 days, they were ready to forge an alliance with Congress, a party that spread malice against Savarkar, brought Emergency and looted the country," he told reporters.

Javadekar said that Shiv Sena has learnt a lesson after betraying the mandate and it has cost them dearly.

"Today is the victory of truth. The mandate of BJP has been respected," he added.

In a major development, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term while NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

The two leaders were administered the oath by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday congratulated BJP's Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and took a swipe at its former ally, saying Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate by going ahead to form a government with the support of Congress.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday congratulated BJP's Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and took a swipe at its former ally, saying Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate by going ahead to form a government with the support of Congress. "I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis for becoming Maharashtra Chief Minister again. The mandate was given to BJP. Shiv Sena was a part of our alliance and also got votes because of us. But they betrayed the people's mandate. In the last 15 days, they were ready to forge an alliance with Congress, a party that spread malice against Savarkar, brought Emergency and looted the country," he told reporters. Javadekar said that Shiv Sena has learnt a lesson after betraying the mandate and it has cost them dearly. "Today is the victory of truth. The mandate of BJP has been respected," he added. In a major development, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term while NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The two leaders were administered the oath by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Shiv Sena betrayed people's mandate by forging alliance with Congress: Javadekar

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday arrived at the state BJP office and said that a stable government will be provided to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">Maharashtra</a>.&nbsp;

Fadnavis added that it is possible under PM Modi's leadership.

"Modi hai toh mumkin hai!!" Fadnavis said.

Earlier in the day, in a dramatic turn of events, Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar.

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai: We will provide a stable government. Modi hai toh mumkin hai!! <a href="https://t.co/vpIWe7fl6h">pic.twitter.com/vpIWe7fl6h</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198191964019015682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state.

The development came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajits-decision-to-support-bjp-against-the-party-line-sharad-pawar-264066">NCP chief Sharad Pawar</a> on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM.

Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut said that Thackeray has given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister.&nbsp;

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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: Mumbai is the financial capital of India and Maharashtra is a big state. It was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor. <a href="https://t.co/74D2yK5nDc">https://t.co/74D2yK5nDc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198179903079768064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that "it was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor".

"Throughout the election campaign, Devendra Fadnavis' name was projected as the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Support base of BJP and the prospect of Devendra Fadnavis becoming CM, played a crucial role in success of Shiv Sena candidates," Prasad told media today.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Congress is planning to move its MLAs out of Maharashtra to a Congress-ruled state, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday arrived at the state BJP office and said that a stable government will be provided to Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday arrived at the state BJP office and said that a stable government will be provided to Maharashtra. Fadnavis added that it is possible under PM Modi's leadership. "Modi hai toh mumkin hai!!" Fadnavis said. Earlier in the day, in a dramatic turn of events, Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai: We will provide a stable government. Modi hai toh mumkin hai!! pic.twitter.com/vpIWe7fl6h — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. The development came after NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM. Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut said that Thackeray has given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: Mumbai is the financial capital of India and Maharashtra is a big state. It was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor. https://t.co/74D2yK5nDc — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that "it was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor". "Throughout the election campaign, Devendra Fadnavis' name was projected as the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Support base of BJP and the prospect of Devendra Fadnavis becoming CM, played a crucial role in success of Shiv Sena candidates," Prasad told media today. Meanwhile, the Congress is planning to move its MLAs out of Maharashtra to a Congress-ruled state, news agency ANI reported. (With inputs from ANI)

Modi hai to mumkin hai: Devendra Fadnavis assures stable government in Maharashtra

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same.&nbsp;

"I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant," Gadkari said.&nbsp;

On Friday the minister had said that ideological differences exist among the Congress, the Shiv Sena and the NCP and that even if the triad forms a government, "it will not go much ahead".

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Union Minister &amp; BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraGovtFormation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraGovtFormation</a>: I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant. <a href="https://t.co/Lv9Gc65tKQ">pic.twitter.com/Lv9Gc65tKQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198167942006857728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress) is an alliance of opportunism, they will not be able to give Maharashtra a stable Government," Gadkari said as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">Maharashtra's Chief Minister</a> for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar</a>.

The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state.

Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same. "I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant," Gadkari said. On Friday the minister had said that ideological differences exist among the Congress, the Shiv Sena and the NCP and that even if the triad forms a government, "it will not go much ahead". Union Minister & BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari on #MaharashtraGovtFormation: I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant. pic.twitter.com/Lv9Gc65tKQ — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × "This (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress) is an alliance of opportunism, they will not be able to give Maharashtra a stable Government," Gadkari said as reported by news agency ANI. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line.

I had said anything can happen in politics, now you know what I meant: Gadkari on Maharashtra turmoil

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines".

He also cautioned party MLAs backing Ajit Pawar that they may lose their membership under the anti-defection law. Pawar, who addressed a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of BJP-NCP government.

"Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline," he said.

The press conference came hours after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in a dramatic early morning development.

The President's Rule in the state was revoked hours earlier. Pawar said NCP MLAs who have landed support to BJP or were thinking of doing so in the future will lose their membership under "anti-defection" law.

"All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high. Even the voters of their respective constituency will also be angry with them," he said.

NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane, who was present at the presser, said he went to Raj Bhavan but was not aware that oath-taking ceremony was to take place.

"Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan. Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete. I rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him that I am with him," he said.

Pawar said Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP had come together to form a government. "We have the numbers to form the government. Several independent are also with us," Pawar added.

NCP won 54 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 and Congress 44. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on a rotating Chief Minister.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines".

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines". He also cautioned party MLAs backing Ajit Pawar that they may lose their membership under the anti-defection law. Pawar, who addressed a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of BJP-NCP government. "Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline," he said. The press conference came hours after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in a dramatic early morning development. The President's Rule in the state was revoked hours earlier. Pawar said NCP MLAs who have landed support to BJP or were thinking of doing so in the future will lose their membership under "anti-defection" law. "All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high. Even the voters of their respective constituency will also be angry with them," he said. NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane, who was present at the presser, said he went to Raj Bhavan but was not aware that oath-taking ceremony was to take place. "Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan. Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete. I rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him that I am with him," he said. Pawar said Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP had come together to form a government. "We have the numbers to form the government. Several independent are also with us," Pawar added. NCP won 54 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 and Congress 44. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on a rotating Chief Minister.

Ajit's decision to support BJP 'against the party line': Sharad Pawar

Issuing a stern warning to BJP, Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Shiv Sena.

Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Sharad Pawar were addressing a joint press conference in Mumbai after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar.

Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line.&nbsp;

''Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP leaders came together to form the government. We had the numbers. We had our official numbers- 44, 56 and 54 MLAs with us who had supported the government. Several independent were also with us and we had numbers around 170,'' Pawar added.

Reminding his party MLAs of anti-defection law, Pawar said there was a possibility of MLAs losing their assembly membership.&nbsp;

Three MLAs who were present during the oath-taking ceremony said were unknowingly taken to the oath ceremony pledged their support to NCP.

Three MLAs who were among the 10-11 MLAs present during the oath-taking ceremony in the Raj Bhavan were present during the press conference which was addressed by Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena leaders.&nbsp;

Issuing a stern warning to BJP, Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Shiv Sena. Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Sharad Pawar were addressing a joint press conference in Mumbai after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar.

Issuing a stern warning to BJP, Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Shiv Sena. Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Sharad Pawar were addressing a joint press conference in Mumbai after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line. ''Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP leaders came together to form the government. We had the numbers. We had our official numbers- 44, 56 and 54 MLAs with us who had supported the government. Several independent were also with us and we had numbers around 170,'' Pawar added. Reminding his party MLAs of anti-defection law, Pawar said there was a possibility of MLAs losing their assembly membership. Three MLAs who were present during the oath-taking ceremony said were unknowingly taken to the oath ceremony pledged their support to NCP. Three MLAs who were among the 10-11 MLAs present during the oath-taking ceremony in the Raj Bhavan were present during the press conference which was addressed by Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena leaders.

Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent to become Maharashtra chief minister, senior party leader Sanjay Raut told media on Friday.

The development came shortly after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar said that Thackeray will lead Maharashtra government.&nbsp;

"We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister," Pawar stated.

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Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent to become the chief minister. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/jh4pGgeTHz">pic.twitter.com/jh4pGgeTHz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1197908959027318787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The NCP, the Congress and the Sena, earlier in the evening, held a high-octane meeting to deliberate the government forming formula in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Pawar said that the parties will hold a press conference on Saturday and that discussions are still going on, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Tomorrow we will also decide when to approach the Governor," he said.&nbsp;

"All three parties had positive discussions about government formation. We've reached a consensus on many issues but talks to continue tomorrow. Whatever Sharad Pawar Ji has said is on record, I won't speak on that. When we've discussed all things, we'll speak on them," former Maharashtra CM and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said.

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NCP Chief Sharad Pawar after Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress meeting: We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/UTV9Lrk2c0">pic.twitter.com/UTV9Lrk2c0</a>
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Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that the meeting between the three parties was "inconclusive" and that the "discussions will continue tomorrow".

The three parties held hectic deliberations earlier today to decide upon government formation in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

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Prithviraj Chavan, Congress:All 3 parties had positive discussions about govt formation. We've reached consensus on many issues but talks to continue tomorrow.Whatever Sharad Pawar Ji has said is on record,I won't speak on that. When we've discussed all things,we'll speak on them <a href="https://t.co/dHiXUB3Cic">pic.twitter.com/dHiXUB3Cic</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1197882991298531328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.

The Shiv Sena is now in talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent to become Maharashtra chief minister, senior party leader Sanjay Raut told media on Friday. The development came shortly after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar said that Thackeray will lead Maharashtra government.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent to become Maharashtra chief minister, senior party leader Sanjay Raut told media on Friday. The development came shortly after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar said that Thackeray will lead Maharashtra government. "We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister," Pawar stated. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent to become the chief minister. #Maharashtra (file pic) pic.twitter.com/jh4pGgeTHz — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2019 × The NCP, the Congress and the Sena, earlier in the evening, held a high-octane meeting to deliberate the government forming formula in Maharashtra. Pawar said that the parties will hold a press conference on Saturday and that discussions are still going on, news agency ANI reported. "Tomorrow we will also decide when to approach the Governor," he said. "All three parties had positive discussions about government formation. We've reached a consensus on many issues but talks to continue tomorrow. Whatever Sharad Pawar Ji has said is on record, I won't speak on that. When we've discussed all things, we'll speak on them," former Maharashtra CM and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar after Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress meeting: We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/UTV9Lrk2c0 — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2019 × Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that the meeting between the three parties was "inconclusive" and that the "discussions will continue tomorrow". The three parties held hectic deliberations earlier today to decide upon government formation in Maharashtra. Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. Prithviraj Chavan, Congress:All 3 parties had positive discussions about govt formation. We've reached consensus on many issues but talks to continue tomorrow.Whatever Sharad Pawar Ji has said is on record,I won't speak on that. When we've discussed all things,we'll speak on them pic.twitter.com/dHiXUB3Cic — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2019 × The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The Shiv Sena is now in talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. (With inputs from ANI)

Uddhav Thackeray has given consent to become Maharashtra Chief Minister: Sanjay Raut

Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar on Friday told media that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-senas-chief-minister-will-rule-for-5-years-sanjay-raut-263824">Maharashtra government</a>, news agencies reported.&nbsp;

The comment came shortly after the high-octane meeting between the NCP, the Congress and the Sena concluded this evening.&nbsp;

Pawar said that the parties will hold a press conference on Saturday and that discussions are still going on, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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NCP Chief Sharad Pawar after Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress meeting: Tomorrow a press conference will be held by the three parties.Discussion are continuing. Tomorrow we will also decide when to approach the Governor (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/fHfR2Q2GCO">pic.twitter.com/fHfR2Q2GCO</a>
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"Tomorrow we will also decide when to approach the Governor," he said.&nbsp;

The three parties held hectic deliberations earlier today to decide upon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/even-if-government-is-formed-it-wont-go-ahead-gadkari-on-congress-ncp-shiv-sena-alliance-in-maharashtra-263905">government formation in Maharashtra</a>.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.

The Shiv Sena is now in talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar on Friday told media that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will lead Maharashtra government, news agencies reported.

Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar on Friday told media that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will lead Maharashtra government, news agencies reported. The comment came shortly after the high-octane meeting between the NCP, the Congress and the Sena concluded this evening. Pawar said that the parties will hold a press conference on Saturday and that discussions are still going on, news agency ANI reported. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar after Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress meeting: Tomorrow a press conference will be held by the three parties.Discussion are continuing. Tomorrow we will also decide when to approach the Governor (file pic) pic.twitter.com/fHfR2Q2GCO — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2019 × "Tomorrow we will also decide when to approach the Governor," he said. The three parties held hectic deliberations earlier today to decide upon government formation in Maharashtra. Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The Shiv Sena is now in talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. (With inputs from ANI)

Uddhav Thackeray to lead Maharashtra government, says Sharad Pawar after NCP, Congress, Shiv Sena meet concludes

Congress Legislative Party"&gt;Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held on Friday at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, to elect their legislative party leader.

Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added.

Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.

The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Congress Legislative Party">Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held on Friday at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, to elect their legislative party leader. Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

Congress Legislative Party">Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held on Friday at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, to elect their legislative party leader. Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added. Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting. Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Maharashtra: Congress Legislative Party meeting to be held on Friday

Modalities have been finalised on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-ncp-shiv-sena-triad-to-form-maharashtra-government-before-december-1-sanjay-raut-263537">formation of the government in Maharashtra</a> between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added. 
Currently, Congress and NCP, sources said, are discussing the possible names to be inducted in ministerial berths.

The name of the alliance is expected to be finalised in today's meeting between Congress and NCP leaders. The convener of the alliance is also slated to be finalised by Friday in Mumbai, they added.

Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting.

"We have apprised the CWC members of the latest political situation in Maharashtra. Today, Congress-NCP discussion will continue. I think, tomorrow, we will probably have a decision in Mumbai," Congress leader KC Venugopal told reporters after the CWC meet.

On Wednesday, Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh and Mallikarjun Kharge had briefed party interim president Sonia Gandhi about their meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. After briefing Gandhi, the three Congress leaders again returned to Pawar's residence.

Sources said that during the course of Wednesday's meetings, the Congress and NCP leaders also held talks with Shiv Sena leadership over the phone and got a positive response.

They also added that as part of the coalition government, a sharing formula of 2.5 years each between the Shiv Sena and NCP for the chief minister seat has been approved while Congress will be given the deputy chief minister's seat.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. 
The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added. Currently, Congress and NCP, sources said, are discussing the possible names to be inducted in ministerial berths. The name of the alliance is expected to be finalised in today's meeting between Congress and NCP leaders. The convener of the alliance is also slated to be finalised by Friday in Mumbai, they added. Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting. "We have apprised the CWC members of the latest political situation in Maharashtra. Today, Congress-NCP discussion will continue. I think, tomorrow, we will probably have a decision in Mumbai," Congress leader KC Venugopal told reporters after the CWC meet. On Wednesday, Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh and Mallikarjun Kharge had briefed party interim president Sonia Gandhi about their meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. After briefing Gandhi, the three Congress leaders again returned to Pawar's residence. Sources said that during the course of Wednesday's meetings, the Congress and NCP leaders also held talks with Shiv Sena leadership over the phone and got a positive response. They also added that as part of the coalition government, a sharing formula of 2.5 years each between the Shiv Sena and NCP for the chief minister seat has been approved while Congress will be given the deputy chief minister's seat. Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Modalities over Maharashtra government formation in final stages between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena

The Congress will vehemently raise the issue of electoral bonds in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/petition-in-supreme-court-seeks-probe-into-lok-sabha-election-results-263431">Lok Sabha</a> today for which party is even likely to stage a walk-out if they were not allowed to have a detailed discussion on it, told top-notch sources from the party.

Sources from Congress Parliamentary Strategy meeting told that the party has reached out to the Opposition parties for devising a floor strategy to corner the Narendra Modi-led government over the same.

"We will not let the issue of electoral bonds die down. We will make the government answerable. Reaching out to opposition parties to build a floor strategy against the government, we want a detailed discussion on it," said the source.

"If the government doesn't allow discussion on the issue of electoral bonds, Congress to stage a walkout. Congress will also hold a protest at the Gandhi statue," it said.

The issue will be raised by Congress MP <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news?page=2266">Manish Tewari</a> in the Standing Committee on Finance set to meet at 3 pm today. 
Congress party has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha on Thursday over "lack of transparency in the entire scheme of electoral bonds".

The adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.

Yesterday, Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-all-party-meeting-begins-ahead-of-parliaments-winter-session-262684">Ghulam Nabi Azad </a>hit out at the BJP government at the Centre over the electoral bond scheme. 
Speaking at a press conference, Azad had said, "To issue electoral bond scheme was a conspiracy.&nbsp;It was based on the premise that the donor who gives money need not disclose his identity. The political party is also not liable to disclose the identity of the donor."

"This was opposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) which has stated that this scheme will lead to the encouragement of money laundering," Azad had said.

"In this scheme, it is not disclosed who gives fund to a political party. The money could be donated from a fraudster or even a terrorist," the Congress leader said while criticising the electoral bond scheme.

Electoral bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. A person being an individual can buy electoral bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.

Only the political parties registered under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-demands-action-against-parties-boycotting-jk-local-body-polls-168425">Section 29A</a> of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last general election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the state shall be eligible to receive the electoral bonds.

The bonds shall be encashed by an eligible political party only through a bank account with the authorised bank.

The Congress will vehemently raise the issue of electoral bonds in Lok Sabha today for which party is even likely to stage a walk-out if they were not allowed to have a detailed discussion on it, told top-notch sources from the party.

The Congress will vehemently raise the issue of electoral bonds in Lok Sabha today for which party is even likely to stage a walk-out if they were not allowed to have a detailed discussion on it, told top-notch sources from the party. Sources from Congress Parliamentary Strategy meeting told that the party has reached out to the Opposition parties for devising a floor strategy to corner the Narendra Modi-led government over the same. "We will not let the issue of electoral bonds die down. We will make the government answerable. Reaching out to opposition parties to build a floor strategy against the government, we want a detailed discussion on it," said the source. "If the government doesn't allow discussion on the issue of electoral bonds, Congress to stage a walkout. Congress will also hold a protest at the Gandhi statue," it said. The issue will be raised by Congress MP Manish Tewari in the Standing Committee on Finance set to meet at 3 pm today. Congress party has given adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha on Thursday over "lack of transparency in the entire scheme of electoral bonds". The adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance. Yesterday, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad hit out at the BJP government at the Centre over the electoral bond scheme. Speaking at a press conference, Azad had said, "To issue electoral bond scheme was a conspiracy. It was based on the premise that the donor who gives money need not disclose his identity. The political party is also not liable to disclose the identity of the donor." "This was opposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) which has stated that this scheme will lead to the encouragement of money laundering," Azad had said. "In this scheme, it is not disclosed who gives fund to a political party. The money could be donated from a fraudster or even a terrorist," the Congress leader said while criticising the electoral bond scheme. Electoral bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. A person being an individual can buy electoral bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. Only the political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last general election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the state shall be eligible to receive the electoral bonds. The bonds shall be encashed by an eligible political party only through a bank account with the authorised bank.

Congress to stage walk-out from Lok Sabha if not allowed to discuss electoral bonds

At a time when speculations are rife that NCP may <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-shiv-sena-coming-together-in-maharashtra-for-greed-of-power-haryana-minister-anil-vij-262618">cobble together an alliance</a> with BJP to form government in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut exuded confidence that a government will be formed in Maharashtra by the first week of December and its Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena.

He also said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strong-and-stable-government-will-be-formed-in-maharashtra-soon-sanjay-raut-263098">uncertainty over government</a> formation will be over by noon on Thursday.

"The government will be formed in Maharashtra by the first week of December and its Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena," said Sanjay Raut.

"All the obstructions which were there in the last 10-15 days, regarding the formation of government in Maharashtra, are not there anymore. You will get to know by noon tomorrow that all the obstructions are gone. The picture will be clear by tomorrow afternoon," he said.

Amid political uncertainty in Maharashtra, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharad-pawar-will-discuss-maharashtra-farmers-issues-with-pm-modi-today-263275">Sharad Pawar will meet Prime Minister </a>Narendra Modi on Wednesday in Parliament over the issue of Maharashtra farmers. The meeting will be held at noon.

Meanwhile, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-political-crisis-top-leaders-of-ncp-and-congress-to-meet-in-new-delhi-today-263293">meeting of Congress and NCP leaders</a> is scheduled to be held on Wednesday evening in the national capital. NCP leaders including party chief Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel and Ajit Pawar, and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan and Ashok Chavan amongst others will be present at the meeting.

On Monday, Sharad Pawar met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi at the latter's residence here. However, the NCP leader said that they did not talk about government formation in Maharashtra.

At a time when speculations are rife that NCP may cobble together an alliance with BJP to form government in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut exuded confidence that a government will be formed in Maharashtra by the first week of December and its Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena.

At a time when speculations are rife that NCP may cobble together an alliance with BJP to form government in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut exuded confidence that a government will be formed in Maharashtra by the first week of December and its Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. He also said that uncertainty over government formation will be over by noon on Thursday. "The government will be formed in Maharashtra by the first week of December and its Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena," said Sanjay Raut. "All the obstructions which were there in the last 10-15 days, regarding the formation of government in Maharashtra, are not there anymore. You will get to know by noon tomorrow that all the obstructions are gone. The picture will be clear by tomorrow afternoon," he said. Amid political uncertainty in Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in Parliament over the issue of Maharashtra farmers. The meeting will be held at noon. Meanwhile, a meeting of Congress and NCP leaders is scheduled to be held on Wednesday evening in the national capital. NCP leaders including party chief Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel and Ajit Pawar, and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan and Ashok Chavan amongst others will be present at the meeting. On Monday, Sharad Pawar met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi at the latter's residence here. However, the NCP leader said that they did not talk about government formation in Maharashtra.

Government will be formed in Maharashtra with Shiv Sena CM by first week of December: Sanjay Raut

Amidst the power struggle in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss the farmer crisis in the state.&nbsp;

"Due to the prevalence of Presidential Rule in the state, your urgent intervention is highly necessitated. I shall be grateful if you take immediate steps to initiate massive relief measures and ameliorate the miseries of the distressed farmers" Pawar wrote in a letter to the prime minister.&nbsp;

Interestingly, NCP is in talks with Shiv Sena and Congress regarding the government formation in Maharashtra. However, new political scenario might create in <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/maharashtra-political-crisis-top-leaders-of-ncp-and-congress-to-meet-in-new-delhi-today-263293">Maharashtra</a> with Pawar-Modi meet. The government in Maharashtra can also be formed if NCP and BJP come together.&nbsp;

"I have collected data on crop damage from two districts, but damage because of excessive rains extends to rest of Maharashtra, including Marathwada and Vidarbha. I am collecting details and information regarding the same, which should be sent to you at the earliest," Pawar added.

Farmers have not yet received any loan waiver and in the wake of recent damage, the current farm loans should also be waived, Pawar wrote. &nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, PM Modi praised NCP and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for following the parliamentary norms in a address to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The prime minister also added that his own party should learn from them. &nbsp;

Pawar also met Congress chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharad-pawar-arrives-in-delhi-to-meet-sonia-gandhi-on-maharashtra-government-formation-262859">Sonia Gandhi </a>on Monday at her residence in Delhi but denied any talks regarding government formation in the state. Both Congress and NCP leaders will meet on Wednesday in the national capital regarding the common minimum programme (CMP) prepared by three parties 
including the Shiv Sena to form government in the state.&nbsp;

Earlier, Shiv Sena and BJP, who came together for elections in Maharashtra, had a fallout over power sharing agreement in the state. Shiv Sena claims that both parties agreed upon a 50:50 power sharing deal in which chief ministers from both the parties will hold office for a period of 2.5 years. However, BJP denies this claim.

In the Maharashtra Assembly elections that were concluded on October 21, BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. &nbsp;Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. A majority of 144 seats is required to form government in the state.&nbsp;

Amidst the power struggle in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss the farmer crisis in the state. "Due to the prevalence of Presidential Rule in the state, your urgent intervention is highly necessitated.

Amidst the power struggle in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss the farmer crisis in the state. "Due to the prevalence of Presidential Rule in the state, your urgent intervention is highly necessitated. I shall be grateful if you take immediate steps to initiate massive relief measures and ameliorate the miseries of the distressed farmers" Pawar wrote in a letter to the prime minister. Interestingly, NCP is in talks with Shiv Sena and Congress regarding the government formation in Maharashtra. However, new political scenario might create in Maharashtra with Pawar-Modi meet. The government in Maharashtra can also be formed if NCP and BJP come together. "I have collected data on crop damage from two districts, but damage because of excessive rains extends to rest of Maharashtra, including Marathwada and Vidarbha. I am collecting details and information regarding the same, which should be sent to you at the earliest," Pawar added. Farmers have not yet received any loan waiver and in the wake of recent damage, the current farm loans should also be waived, Pawar wrote. Earlier on Monday, PM Modi praised NCP and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for following the parliamentary norms in a address to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The prime minister also added that his own party should learn from them. Pawar also met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Monday at her residence in Delhi but denied any talks regarding government formation in the state. Both Congress and NCP leaders will meet on Wednesday in the national capital regarding the common minimum programme (CMP) prepared by three parties including the Shiv Sena to form government in the state. Earlier, Shiv Sena and BJP, who came together for elections in Maharashtra, had a fallout over power sharing agreement in the state. Shiv Sena claims that both parties agreed upon a 50:50 power sharing deal in which chief ministers from both the parties will hold office for a period of 2.5 years. However, BJP denies this claim. In the Maharashtra Assembly elections that were concluded on October 21, BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. A majority of 144 seats is required to form government in the state.

Sharad Pawar meets PM Narendra Modi to discuss farmer crisis in Maharashtra

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday protested in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament, demanding to bring a bill on the unauthorised colonies in this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-to-speak-in-rajya-sabha-today-263306">winter session</a>.

The protest was led by AAP MP Sanjay Singh along with other party lawmakers including Bhagwant Mann who raised slogans against the Centre while holding placards in their hands.

Some of the placards read - "Bring bill on the unauthorised colonies and stop betraying public" and "allow registry of the houses constructed in unauthorised colonies."

"The Centre has given a list of 27 Bills mentioned in the list of business to be transacted in the winter session. In the list, there is no mention of the bill regarding people of the unauthorised colonies immediately getting registry papers and ownership rights from the Centre," Singh told ANI.

Also watch:&nbsp;Govt's focus in winter session of the Parliament: 'Citizenship Amendment Bill'

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Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-house-has-seen-many-historic-moments-says-modi-in-rajya-sabha-address-262903">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> had said that the Central government will diligently complete the work of transferring ownership rights to the 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in the national capital and a bill will be brought in the winter session of Parliament.

"The government will complete the work with utmost responsibility," Modi had said addressing a gathering of BJP leaders along with Resident Welfare Association (RWA) officeholders and members of unauthorised colonies.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, announcing the move, had said that the decision will benefit more than 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies spread over around 175 sq km as development and redevelopment can now take place in these colonies resulting in a clean, secure and healthy living environment.

The decision is applicable to 1,797 identified unauthorised colonies that are inhabited by lower-income groups and does not apply to 69 affluent colonies identified by DDA including Sainik Farms, Mahendru Enclave and Anant Ram Dairy.

The Winter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-bill-in-focus-as-winter-session-of-parliament-gets-underway-from-today-262790">Session of the Parliament began</a> on November 18 and will continue till December 13.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday protested in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament, demanding to bring a bill on the unauthorised colonies in this winter session.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday protested in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament, demanding to bring a bill on the unauthorised colonies in this winter session. The protest was led by AAP MP Sanjay Singh along with other party lawmakers including Bhagwant Mann who raised slogans against the Centre while holding placards in their hands. Some of the placards read - "Bring bill on the unauthorised colonies and stop betraying public" and "allow registry of the houses constructed in unauthorised colonies." "The Centre has given a list of 27 Bills mentioned in the list of business to be transacted in the winter session. In the list, there is no mention of the bill regarding people of the unauthorised colonies immediately getting registry papers and ownership rights from the Centre," Singh told ANI. Also watch: Govt's focus in winter session of the Parliament: 'Citizenship Amendment Bill' × Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the Central government will diligently complete the work of transferring ownership rights to the 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in the national capital and a bill will be brought in the winter session of Parliament. "The government will complete the work with utmost responsibility," Modi had said addressing a gathering of BJP leaders along with Resident Welfare Association (RWA) officeholders and members of unauthorised colonies. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, announcing the move, had said that the decision will benefit more than 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies spread over around 175 sq km as development and redevelopment can now take place in these colonies resulting in a clean, secure and healthy living environment. The decision is applicable to 1,797 identified unauthorised colonies that are inhabited by lower-income groups and does not apply to 69 affluent colonies identified by DDA including Sainik Farms, Mahendru Enclave and Anant Ram Dairy. The Winter Session of the Parliament began on November 18 and will continue till December 13.

AAP protests in Parliament, demands inclusion of bill on unauthorised colonies in winter session

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brics-pm-narendra-modis-foreign-policy-pivot-262873">Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary.

"Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

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Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary.
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Born on November 19, 1917, to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman prime minister of the country from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2019 × Born on November 19, 1917, to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman prime minister of the country from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.

PM Modi pays tribute to Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary

The meeting between leaders of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that was scheduled to be held today, has been postponed to Wednesday, due to former prime minister Indira Gandhi's 102nd birth anniversary, NCP leader Nawab Malik said on Tuesday.

"Yesterday, Congress interim president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharad-pawar-arrives-in-delhi-to-meet-sonia-gandhi-on-maharashtra-government-formation-262859">Sonia Gandhi and NCP chief</a> Sharad Pawar held a meeting. It was decided earlier that leaders from both parties will have a meeting later. That meeting was to be held today. But, today's meeting between the leaders of the two parties has been postponed till tomorrow afternoon as Congress leaders are busy in different programmes due to Indira Gandhi Ji's birth anniversary," Malik told ANI.

On Monday, Pawar had met Gandhi at her residence in New Delhi amid the impasse in Maharashtra over government formation.

Later, Pawar told reporters that he did not discuss anything about the government formation during his meeting with Gandhi and only briefed her about the current political situation in the state.

Giving a new twist to the emerging political scene in Maharashtra, Pawar on Monday said that the path of NCP and Congress is different from that of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-hits-out-at-bjp-for-making-its-mps-sit-in-opposition-in-parliament-263090">BJP and Shiv Sena</a>'s.

Pawar's comments came in the backdrop of Maharashtra coming under the President's Rule last week after all the parties failed to form a government in the state.

BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in the 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena, that bagged 56 seats, remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government, failing which the President's Rule was imposed in the state on November 12.

The NCP won 54 seats while its ally Congress garnered 44 in last month's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/haryana-maharashtra-assembly-polls-bjp-becomes-a-victim-of-its-own-expectations-258258">assembly election</a>.

The meeting between leaders of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that was scheduled to be held today, has been postponed to Wednesday, due to former prime minister Indira Gandhi's 102nd birth anniversary, NCP leader Nawab Malik said on Tuesday.

The meeting between leaders of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that was scheduled to be held today, has been postponed to Wednesday, due to former prime minister Indira Gandhi's 102nd birth anniversary, NCP leader Nawab Malik said on Tuesday. "Yesterday, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar held a meeting. It was decided earlier that leaders from both parties will have a meeting later. That meeting was to be held today. But, today's meeting between the leaders of the two parties has been postponed till tomorrow afternoon as Congress leaders are busy in different programmes due to Indira Gandhi Ji's birth anniversary," Malik told ANI. On Monday, Pawar had met Gandhi at her residence in New Delhi amid the impasse in Maharashtra over government formation. Later, Pawar told reporters that he did not discuss anything about the government formation during his meeting with Gandhi and only briefed her about the current political situation in the state. Giving a new twist to the emerging political scene in Maharashtra, Pawar on Monday said that the path of NCP and Congress is different from that of BJP and Shiv Sena's. Pawar's comments came in the backdrop of Maharashtra coming under the President's Rule last week after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in the 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena, that bagged 56 seats, remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government, failing which the President's Rule was imposed in the state on November 12. The NCP won 54 seats while its ally Congress garnered 44 in last month's assembly election.

NCP-Congress meeting postponed, to be held tomorrow: Nawab Malik

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