India’s top court on Wednesday (Nov 13) rebuked the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a party in the Indian state of Maharashtra,&nbsp;for using photos and videos of party founder Sharad Pawar. The Ajit faction had orchestrated a split from Sharad’s party in July last year and joined the ruling alliance led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Meanwhile, the faction led by Sharad Pawar remains a part of the opposition INDIA bloc.

Before the top court, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing the Sharad Pawar faction, claimed that junior Pawar was violating earlier SC ruling by blatantly using videos of Sharad Pawar in election campaigning. Singhvi added that the Ajit faction wanted to “piggyback” on the reputation of the senior Pawar.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mva-release-manifesto-ahead-of-maharashtra-assembly-elections-promises-these-five-guarantees-774993" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mva-release-manifesto-ahead-of-maharashtra-assembly-elections-promises-these-five-guarantees-774993&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">MVA releases manifesto ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections: Promises these ‘five guarantees’</a>

Responding to the charges, advocate Balbir Singh, who was representing the Ajit faction, claimed the videos were doctored and the party never used Sharad Pawar’s images in poll campaigning. In response, Singhvi said the video in question was shared by the official handle of Amol Mitkari, a politician affiliated with the Ajit Pawar faction.

Justice Suryakant then scolded Balbir Singh and asked the Ajit faction to “Stand on your own legs.”

“Whether or not it is an old video, with Sharad Pawar, you have an ideological difference and are competing against him. Stand on your own legs,” the supreme court justice noted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-women-welfare-food-security-health-bjp-releases-manifesto-for-maharashtra-elections-774981" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-women-welfare-food-security-health-bjp-releases-manifesto-for-maharashtra-elections-774981&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpg7HP0dmJAxXFsVYBHdKrHIoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Focus on women welfare, food security, health: BJP releases manifesto for Maharashtra elections</a>

Justice Suryakant further advised, “Concentrate on the battlefield. The people are wise; they know who is Sharad Pawar and who is Ajit Pawar. Video clips may or may not influence them, but the Court’s order must be respected.”

Earlier, the opposition INDIA bloc had raised concerns that the Ajit faction was still using images of Sharad Pawar to create confusion among voters. The court also directed the Ajit faction to issue a message to all candidates not to use images and campaigning material carrying visuals of Sharad Pawar.

The case will now be heard on November 19.

According to arguments made before the court, the Ajit faction and Sharad Pawar faction are going head-to-head in 36 assembly seats in Maharashtra state. The polls in the state will be held on November 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s top court on Wednesday (Nov 13) rebuked the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a party in the Indian state of Maharashtra, for using photos and videos of party founder Sharad Pawar.

India’s top court on Wednesday (Nov 13) rebuked the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a party in the Indian state of Maharashtra, for using photos and videos of party founder Sharad Pawar. The Ajit faction had orchestrated a split from Sharad’s party in July last year and joined the ruling alliance led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Meanwhile, the faction led by Sharad Pawar remains a part of the opposition INDIA bloc. Before the top court, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing the Sharad Pawar faction, claimed that junior Pawar was violating earlier SC ruling by blatantly using videos of Sharad Pawar in election campaigning. Singhvi added that the Ajit faction wanted to “piggyback” on the reputation of the senior Pawar. Also read: MVA releases manifesto ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections: Promises these ‘five guarantees’ Responding to the charges, advocate Balbir Singh, who was representing the Ajit faction, claimed the videos were doctored and the party never used Sharad Pawar’s images in poll campaigning. In response, Singhvi said the video in question was shared by the official handle of Amol Mitkari, a politician affiliated with the Ajit Pawar faction. Justice Suryakant then scolded Balbir Singh and asked the Ajit faction to “Stand on your own legs.” “Whether or not it is an old video, with Sharad Pawar, you have an ideological difference and are competing against him. Stand on your own legs,” the supreme court justice noted. Also read: Focus on women welfare, food security, health: BJP releases manifesto for Maharashtra elections Justice Suryakant further advised, “Concentrate on the battlefield. The people are wise; they know who is Sharad Pawar and who is Ajit Pawar. Video clips may or may not influence them, but the Court’s order must be respected.” Earlier, the opposition INDIA bloc had raised concerns that the Ajit faction was still using images of Sharad Pawar to create confusion among voters. The court also directed the Ajit faction to issue a message to all candidates not to use images and campaigning material carrying visuals of Sharad Pawar. The case will now be heard on November 19. According to arguments made before the court, the Ajit faction and Sharad Pawar faction are going head-to-head in 36 assembly seats in Maharashtra state. The polls in the state will be held on November 20. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stand on your own legs,’ SC scolds Ajit-led NCP over using Sharad Pawar’s images in campaigning

India’s Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) recently appointed Anish Gawande as its national spokesperson.&nbsp;

With this, the twenty-eight-year-old Gawande became the first openly gay national spokesperson of an Indian political party.&nbsp;

WION’s Akul Baiju caught up with Gawande for a candid chat, not just about queerness, but also about the Kolkata doctor death protests, being labeled as a ‘gay politician’, and much more.&nbsp;

WION: India has seen many queer politicians, like Harish Iyer, Shabnam Mausi, and Madhu Bai Kinnar. Why did the media headline you as India’s ‘first gay politician’?&nbsp;

Gawande: “Today queerness sells, so let it sell. It is misleading because I am not the first queer politician. The headlines are always decided by the newspaper and not by me. I think there is a certain way in which queerness is commoditised. I am the first gay national spokesperson of a political party so, some of those headlines were fair. It is just that a certain kind of queerness sells. When there is a trans-woman from a non-dominant caste community, it does not sell and that is the kind of conversation we need to have.”&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Is India behind the world in queer rights?

Gawande: “The levels of transphobia today in large parts of the West are much higher than here. In the Netherlands, the far-right has taken up queer discourse and become an Islamophobic queer rights movement.”&nbsp;

India is on its journey because in this country queerness is not yet a dominant identity factor.”&nbsp;

WION: You’ve spoken about how queers cannot be a vote bank in India. Why?&nbsp;

Gawande: “How can they be? Today, there are queer Adivasis, Dalits, and Muslims too. Those identities are under attack to a much larger extent today. Queerness in India does not have to make itself separate. When you go to the Court, you have to prove that queer people are different. But when you go into the political arena, you have to create solidarities with the differently abled communities, climate justice warriors, and those who are fighting hatred on all fronts.’&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-students-are-committing-suicides-in-india-than-population-growth-rate-report-754156">Also read:&nbsp;More students are committing suicides in India than population growth rate: Report</a>

WION: A man flashed at a protest organised against the Kolkata rape case and murder. Why do men do this?&nbsp;

Gawande: “The incident is deeply shocking. It has stirred the collective conscience of this country. There is a valid critique to be levelled as to why only this incident. Does the sort of privilege of the victim matter? But I think we are looking at a bigger problem. We have an epidemic of sexual violence in this country. Our response to RG Kar and sexual violence has been “chauraahe pe lagaake, pathar maar ke maar daalo (drag them to the public square and stone them to death!.) That is not the right response.

WION: Why?

Gawande: “Because the perpetrators of sexual violence are not the exception, they are the norm. More than half of sexual violence is perpetrated by people who are known to the victim. You cannot exceptionalise it. That is not the solution!”&nbsp;

WION: Queer people have a greater mental health burden than straight people. Why?&nbsp;

Gawande: “That is the queer tax! You have to pay more to get a therapist. You have to pay more to travel by Uber at night because you don’t know if you’re safe on the metro. Queer people have to pay more to lead their regular lives. That is something that the government needs to acknowledge. This is a question of disparity of access to public spaces.”&nbsp;

WION: NCRB data showed that the rate at which young people are killing themselves is more than India's population growth rate. If you become an MP, how will you tackle this?

Gawande: “In 2020, I went with Supriya tai [Supriya Sule] to meet Ajit Pawar and I said that we need to have a helpline for LGBTQ+ kids and the immediate answer was yes, because that is something everyone can get behind. We cannot let our kids down.”&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;New Delhi: LGBTQIA+ community takes out 14th Delhi Queer Pride parade

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WION: A young MP has said that after becoming a politician, she had to archive some of her previous Instagram photos in which she was wearing jeans, skirts, etc. Will you also do this if you become an MP?&nbsp;

Gawande: "If I become an MP, I will quit Instagram. Who can take this much tension? We’ll just call it deepfakes!”&nbsp;

WION: If you had to archive, which ones would you do and why?

Gawande: “I actually didn’t archive anything. There was a feeling that some of them should be archived—particularly photos of pride. Photos where you are too queer, they may need to be ‘straightened’ a little. But then I thought that I had come this far to not do this. Once you’ve dipped your toes, you might as well jump into the deep end of the pool. I was like…you know what, deal with my queerness.”&nbsp;

This was part one of a two-part WION-exclusive interview series.

India’s Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) recently appointed Anish Gawande as its national spokesperson. With this, the twenty-eight-year-old Gawande became the first openly gay national spokesperson of an Indian political party.

India’s Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) recently appointed Anish Gawande as its national spokesperson. With this, the twenty-eight-year-old Gawande became the first openly gay national spokesperson of an Indian political party. WION’s Akul Baiju caught up with Gawande for a candid chat, not just about queerness, but also about the Kolkata doctor death protests, being labeled as a ‘gay politician’, and much more. WION: India has seen many queer politicians, like Harish Iyer, Shabnam Mausi, and Madhu Bai Kinnar. Why did the media headline you as India’s ‘first gay politician’? Gawande: “Today queerness sells, so let it sell. It is misleading because I am not the first queer politician. The headlines are always decided by the newspaper and not by me. I think there is a certain way in which queerness is commoditised. I am the first gay national spokesperson of a political party so, some of those headlines were fair. It is just that a certain kind of queerness sells. When there is a trans-woman from a non-dominant caste community, it does not sell and that is the kind of conversation we need to have.” WION: Is India behind the world in queer rights? Gawande: “The levels of transphobia today in large parts of the West are much higher than here. In the Netherlands, the far-right has taken up queer discourse and become an Islamophobic queer rights movement.” India is on its journey because in this country queerness is not yet a dominant identity factor.” WION: You’ve spoken about how queers cannot be a vote bank in India. Why? Gawande: “How can they be? Today, there are queer Adivasis, Dalits, and Muslims too. Those identities are under attack to a much larger extent today. Queerness in India does not have to make itself separate. When you go to the Court, you have to prove that queer people are different. But when you go into the political arena, you have to create solidarities with the differently abled communities, climate justice warriors, and those who are fighting hatred on all fronts.’ Also read: More students are committing suicides in India than population growth rate: Report WION: A man flashed at a protest organised against the Kolkata rape case and murder. Why do men do this? Gawande: “The incident is deeply shocking. It has stirred the collective conscience of this country. There is a valid critique to be levelled as to why only this incident. Does the sort of privilege of the victim matter? But I think we are looking at a bigger problem. We have an epidemic of sexual violence in this country. Our response to RG Kar and sexual violence has been “chauraahe pe lagaake, pathar maar ke maar daalo (drag them to the public square and stone them to death!.) That is not the right response. WION: Why? Gawande: “Because the perpetrators of sexual violence are not the exception, they are the norm. More than half of sexual violence is perpetrated by people who are known to the victim. You cannot exceptionalise it. That is not the solution!” WION: Queer people have a greater mental health burden than straight people. Why? Gawande: “That is the queer tax! You have to pay more to get a therapist. You have to pay more to travel by Uber at night because you don’t know if you’re safe on the metro. Queer people have to pay more to lead their regular lives. That is something that the government needs to acknowledge. This is a question of disparity of access to public spaces.” WION: NCRB data showed that the rate at which young people are killing themselves is more than India's population growth rate. If you become an MP, how will you tackle this? Gawande: “In 2020, I went with Supriya tai [Supriya Sule] to meet Ajit Pawar and I said that we need to have a helpline for LGBTQ+ kids and the immediate answer was yes, because that is something everyone can get behind. We cannot let our kids down.” Watch | New Delhi: LGBTQIA+ community takes out 14th Delhi Queer Pride parade × WION: A young MP has said that after becoming a politician, she had to archive some of her previous Instagram photos in which she was wearing jeans, skirts, etc. Will you also do this if you become an MP? Gawande: "If I become an MP, I will quit Instagram. Who can take this much tension? We’ll just call it deepfakes!” WION: If you had to archive, which ones would you do and why? Gawande: “I actually didn’t archive anything. There was a feeling that some of them should be archived—particularly photos of pride. Photos where you are too queer, they may need to be ‘straightened’ a little. But then I thought that I had come this far to not do this. Once you’ve dipped your toes, you might as well jump into the deep end of the pool. I was like…you know what, deal with my queerness.” This was part one of a two-part WION-exclusive interview series.

Exclusive: Anish Gawande speaks about Kolkata case, 'Queer Tax', and being labelled a 'gay politician'

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Friday withdrew his resignation as party chief and said he is no longer stepping down.

"I'm taking my decision back," he announced at a press conference.&nbsp; 
 
Pawar, who sprang a surprise by announcing his resignation three days ago, said he could not disrespect the sentiments of colleagues and party workers. “I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed by the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you, and honouring the decision of the committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire.” 
 
He also stressed that there has to be a "succession plan" for any post or responsibility in an organisation and that he will focus on creating new leadership.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sharad-pawar-resigns-as-nationalist-congress-party-ncp-chief-588097">India: Sharad Pawar resigns as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief</a>

he decision comes after&nbsp;the party unanimously rejected his resignation and asked him to continue in his post.

The decision, along expected lines, was taken at a meeting of the special committee set up by Pawar to name his successor following his dramatic May 2 announcement of stepping down as party head.

The committee also resolved that it was unable to elect another president in Pawar's place and that it requested him to continue until his term ends. It further indicated that the party was fully united under him vis-à-vis recent speculation of a possible split.

NCP Vice-President Praful M Patel, the convenor of the said committee, while addressing a media conference said that the panel's decision&nbsp;on two resolutions — first rejecting Pawar's resignation and the other urging him to continue as party chief — shall be conveyed to the senior leader for his final call in the matter.

The resolutions as per Patil were passed in tune with everybody's expectations. A team of senior leaders met Pawar and conveyed the resolutions to him.

As per IANS, the official decision once announced was met with thunderous applause, cheers, and even tears of relief. Party rank-and-file gathered outside the NCP headquarters reportedly broke into song and dance.

Watch |&nbsp;Sharad Pawar announces his resignation, NCP workers protests outside office

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Patel said that the entire party made its sentiments clear on Pawar's decision to quit and that the views were "again" put forth at the committee meeting.&nbsp;

This comes as in the past four days, Pawar's nephew, Ajit Pawar, adopted a differing line and he batted at electing a new party chief.

However, Ajit Pawar is yet to comment on the fresh development and as per reports, he is likely to meet 83-year-old Sharad Pawar later in the day.

Ever since Pawar dropped his bombshell on the national political horizon, the NCP has been in turmoil with protests, hunger strikes, appeals and letters written in blood, a flood of lower-level resignations, and more, all to get him to undo his move.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut too welcomed the Nationalist Congress Party decision rejecting Sharad Pawar's resignation and said that "it was on anticipated lines."

"There's no alternative to Pawar Saheb...The NCP committee's decision is correct," said Raut.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Friday withdrew his resignation as party chief and said he is no longer stepping down. "I'm taking my decision back," he announced at a press conference.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Friday withdrew his resignation as party chief and said he is no longer stepping down. "I'm taking my decision back," he announced at a press conference. Pawar, who sprang a surprise by announcing his resignation three days ago, said he could not disrespect the sentiments of colleagues and party workers. “I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed by the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you, and honouring the decision of the committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire.” He also stressed that there has to be a "succession plan" for any post or responsibility in an organisation and that he will focus on creating new leadership. Also read | India: Sharad Pawar resigns as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief he decision comes after the party unanimously rejected his resignation and asked him to continue in his post. The decision, along expected lines, was taken at a meeting of the special committee set up by Pawar to name his successor following his dramatic May 2 announcement of stepping down as party head. The committee also resolved that it was unable to elect another president in Pawar's place and that it requested him to continue until his term ends. It further indicated that the party was fully united under him vis-à-vis recent speculation of a possible split. NCP Vice-President Praful M Patel, the convenor of the said committee, while addressing a media conference said that the panel's decision on two resolutions — first rejecting Pawar's resignation and the other urging him to continue as party chief — shall be conveyed to the senior leader for his final call in the matter. The resolutions as per Patil were passed in tune with everybody's expectations. A team of senior leaders met Pawar and conveyed the resolutions to him. As per IANS, the official decision once announced was met with thunderous applause, cheers, and even tears of relief. Party rank-and-file gathered outside the NCP headquarters reportedly broke into song and dance. Watch | Sharad Pawar announces his resignation, NCP workers protests outside office Patel said that the entire party made its sentiments clear on Pawar's decision to quit and that the views were "again" put forth at the committee meeting. This comes as in the past four days, Pawar's nephew, Ajit Pawar, adopted a differing line and he batted at electing a new party chief. However, Ajit Pawar is yet to comment on the fresh development and as per reports, he is likely to meet 83-year-old Sharad Pawar later in the day. Ever since Pawar dropped his bombshell on the national political horizon, the NCP has been in turmoil with protests, hunger strikes, appeals and letters written in blood, a flood of lower-level resignations, and more, all to get him to undo his move. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut too welcomed the Nationalist Congress Party decision rejecting Sharad Pawar's resignation and said that "it was on anticipated lines." "There's no alternative to Pawar Saheb...The NCP committee's decision is correct," said Raut. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NCP chief Sharad Pawar withdraws resignation, says ‘taking back my decision’

Sharad Pawar, a senior political figure in India, said on Tuesday (May 2) that he will step down as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). But Pawar further added that he is not retiring from public life as a party worker and leaders demanded him to withdraw the decision. &nbsp;

Pawar, a &nbsp;four-time chief minister of the Indian state of Maharashtra, also announced a panel of senior party leaders to outline a future course of action. He has served as the union defence and agriculture minister.&nbsp;

"I am resigning from the post of the national president of NCP," Pawar said at a press briefing, news agency PTI reported. The announcement received loud reactions from the gathering. Pawar was speaking at a book launch of his autobiography at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratisthan.&nbsp;

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He was a vital cog in bringing together an unlikely coalition of the NCP, Congress and then the ideologically opposite Shiv Sena to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections.&nbsp;

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Sharad Pawar, a senior political figure in India, said on Tuesday (May 2) that he will step down as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). But Pawar further added that he is not retiring from public life as a party worker and leaders demanded him to withdraw the decision.

Sharad Pawar, a senior political figure in India, said on Tuesday (May 2) that he will step down as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). But Pawar further added that he is not retiring from public life as a party worker and leaders demanded him to withdraw the decision. Pawar, a four-time chief minister of the Indian state of Maharashtra, also announced a panel of senior party leaders to outline a future course of action. He has served as the union defence and agriculture minister. "I am resigning from the post of the national president of NCP," Pawar said at a press briefing, news agency PTI reported. The announcement received loud reactions from the gathering. Pawar was speaking at a book launch of his autobiography at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratisthan. #WATCH | "I am resigning from the post of the national president of NCP," says NCP chief Sharad Pawar pic.twitter.com/tTiO8aCAcK — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2023 × He was a vital cog in bringing together an unlikely coalition of the NCP, Congress and then the ideologically opposite Shiv Sena to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Sharad Pawar resigns as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief

Maharashtra's anti-corruption bureau (ACB) has cleared Nationalist Congress Party's leader Ajit Pawar of allegations in an irrigation scam case in an affidavit submitted in the court.

The 16-page affidavit, dated November 27, was submitted at the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court by ACB superintendent Rashmi Nandedkar in which she has observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction.

Minister of Water Resources Department is Ex-Officio Chairman of the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation.

"The payment of EMD amount by the successful bidders for his competitors in some cases, issuing of tender booklets to some non-eligible bidders joint venture firms without following the pre-condition of the tenders etc. But these lapses are on the part of executing agencies of the tender work i.e Engineers, Divisional Accountant and the respective contractors. The Chairman of the VIDC/Minister of WRD cannot be held responsible for executing agencies, as there is no legal duty on his part", the probe agency said in its affidavit.

In its enquiry report, the ACB has also stated that 'There is no evidence on record to say that the Secretary of the Department had briefed the Minister of Water Resources Department about not accepting the liability of the tender work'.

The state anti-corruption bureau has also said that the Chairman of the VIDC has acted in the line with the then prevailing policy of the corporation and in accordance with the proposals put up before him by the Executive Directors on Managing Directors of the VIDC.

In the report filed in the court, the probe agency mentions that "considering the facts and evidence collected during the course of enquiry/investigation, it is observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction to the liability of the tender cost including that of updated cost and sanctioning the mobilization advance to the contractors or any other allegations/charges."

Pawar, who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with others, was in-charge of Maharashtra's irrigation department when the Congress-NCP coalition government was in power in the state from 1999 to 2014. That was a period during which the scam, relating to alleged irregularities in various irrigation projects, took place.&nbsp;

Maharashtra's anti-corruption bureau (ACB) has cleared Nationalist Congress Party's leader Ajit Pawar of allegations in an irrigation scam case in an affidavit submitted in the court.

Maharashtra's anti-corruption bureau (ACB) has cleared Nationalist Congress Party's leader Ajit Pawar of allegations in an irrigation scam case in an affidavit submitted in the court. The 16-page affidavit, dated November 27, was submitted at the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court by ACB superintendent Rashmi Nandedkar in which she has observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction. Minister of Water Resources Department is Ex-Officio Chairman of the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation. "The payment of EMD amount by the successful bidders for his competitors in some cases, issuing of tender booklets to some non-eligible bidders joint venture firms without following the pre-condition of the tenders etc. But these lapses are on the part of executing agencies of the tender work i.e Engineers, Divisional Accountant and the respective contractors. The Chairman of the VIDC/Minister of WRD cannot be held responsible for executing agencies, as there is no legal duty on his part", the probe agency said in its affidavit. In its enquiry report, the ACB has also stated that 'There is no evidence on record to say that the Secretary of the Department had briefed the Minister of Water Resources Department about not accepting the liability of the tender work'. The state anti-corruption bureau has also said that the Chairman of the VIDC has acted in the line with the then prevailing policy of the corporation and in accordance with the proposals put up before him by the Executive Directors on Managing Directors of the VIDC. In the report filed in the court, the probe agency mentions that "considering the facts and evidence collected during the course of enquiry/investigation, it is observed that there is no criminal liability on the part of the then Chairman of the VIDC (Minister of WRD) in respect of the process of granting sanction to the liability of the tender cost including that of updated cost and sanctioning the mobilization advance to the contractors or any other allegations/charges." Pawar, who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with others, was in-charge of Maharashtra's irrigation department when the Congress-NCP coalition government was in power in the state from 1999 to 2014. That was a period during which the scam, relating to alleged irregularities in various irrigation projects, took place.

NCP's Ajit Pawar gets clean-chit from anti-corruption bureau in irrigation scam case

Mohammed Shami remains one of India's finest pacers in the modern era. A regular in the Test and ODI line-up, Shami hasn't played a lot of T20Is prior to and even before the last year's World Cup, held in the UAE. Before represting India in the 2021 T20 WC, Shami's last appearance in the format came in December 2020.

Before the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia, Shami has reportedly been informed by the BCCI selection committee that he isn't in consideration for T20Is. As per a report in Inside Sport, the selectors want to continue with Shami in Tests and ODIs, however, they want to try youngsters in the shortest format of the game.

“Shami isn’t getting any younger and we need him fresh for Tests. That is why he is not being considered for T20s. We have had a chat with him post-T20 World Cup on his workload management. This is how it is going to be now. For now, he is not in plans for T20s and the focus will be on youngsters,” a member of the selection committee told the portal.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saw-the-same-with-gavaskar-kapil-ganguly-sachin-bcci-treasurer-shares-take-on-kohli-vs-rohit-debate-503869">'Saw the same with Gavaskar-Kapil, Ganguly-Sachin' - BCCI treasurer shares take on Kohli vs Rohit debate</a>

Shami last played T20 cricket during IPL 2022, where he was part of the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) camp. The 31-year-old returned with 20 wickets in 16 games, at an average of 18.30, and ended with sixth-most wickets overall.&nbsp;

The Indian seamer has so far played just 17 T20Is in his international career since 2014. Shami's case is similar to that of opener Shikhar Dhawan, who has also been sidelined from Tests and T20Is but remains in the scheme of things in ODIs. The idea behind such a decision also has to do with the players' workload management.

Mohammed Shami remains one of India's finest pacers in the modern era. A regular in the Test and ODI line-up, Shami hasn't played a lot of T20Is prior to and even before the last year's World Cup, held in the UAE.

Mohammed Shami remains one of India's finest pacers in the modern era. A regular in the Test and ODI line-up, Shami hasn't played a lot of T20Is prior to and even before the last year's World Cup, held in the UAE. Before represting India in the 2021 T20 WC, Shami's last appearance in the format came in December 2020. Before the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia, Shami has reportedly been informed by the BCCI selection committee that he isn't in consideration for T20Is. As per a report in Inside Sport, the selectors want to continue with Shami in Tests and ODIs, however, they want to try youngsters in the shortest format of the game. “Shami isn’t getting any younger and we need him fresh for Tests. That is why he is not being considered for T20s. We have had a chat with him post-T20 World Cup on his workload management. This is how it is going to be now. For now, he is not in plans for T20s and the focus will be on youngsters,” a member of the selection committee told the portal. ALSO READ | 'Saw the same with Gavaskar-Kapil, Ganguly-Sachin' - BCCI treasurer shares take on Kohli vs Rohit debate Shami last played T20 cricket during IPL 2022, where he was part of the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) camp. The 31-year-old returned with 20 wickets in 16 games, at an average of 18.30, and ended with sixth-most wickets overall. The Indian seamer has so far played just 17 T20Is in his international career since 2014. Shami's case is similar to that of opener Shikhar Dhawan, who has also been sidelined from Tests and T20Is but remains in the scheme of things in ODIs. The idea behind such a decision also has to do with the players' workload management.

Maharashtra: Upset over Thackeray's move, 400 Shiv Sena workers join BJP

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.&nbsp;

Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">Maharashtra</a>. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre.&nbsp;

"It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said.&nbsp;

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Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. <a href="https://t.co/3dVyqKqDDU">pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU</a>
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Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Devendra Fadnavis </a>took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23.

However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28.&nbsp;

Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said.&nbsp;

Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra.

(with inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post. Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in Maharashtra. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre. "It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said. Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2019 × Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23. However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28. Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said. Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra. (with inputs from ANI)

Grateful to PM Narendra Modi for offering cabinet berth: NCP leader Supriya Sule

As Devendra Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government failed to survive in Maharashtra, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday said NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress will meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday to stake a claim for government formation in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">state</a>.

"We will meet the governor tomorrow to claim that Fadnvavis did not have the majority and NCP-Congress-Sena alliance has the required numbers of MLAs to form government in the state," Chavan told ANI here. "Instability in the state shall be removed immediately," he said, adding that the Chief Minister whom tri-party alliance has chosen should be sworn-in at earliest.

Fadnavis on Tuesday announced his resignation as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, hours after the Supreme Court ordered a floor test in the state assembly. "We realised that we don't have the required numbers to form the government and we don't want to indulge in horse-trading," Fadnavis told reporters after announcing his decision.

Earlier in the day, his deputy, NCP's Ajit Pawar resigned from the post, just three days after he was sworn-in. Soon after Fadnavis and Pawar's resignation, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut confirmed that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has resigned from his post of deputy chief minister and is now with "us".

In a sudden turn of event, both Fadnavis and Pawar were administered the oath on Saturday morning, nixing Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP's bid to form government in the state.&nbsp;

As Devendra Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government failed to survive in Maharashtra, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday said NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress will meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday to stake a claim for government formation in the state.

As Devendra Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government failed to survive in Maharashtra, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday said NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress will meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday to stake a claim for government formation in the state. "We will meet the governor tomorrow to claim that Fadnvavis did not have the majority and NCP-Congress-Sena alliance has the required numbers of MLAs to form government in the state," Chavan told ANI here. "Instability in the state shall be removed immediately," he said, adding that the Chief Minister whom tri-party alliance has chosen should be sworn-in at earliest. Fadnavis on Tuesday announced his resignation as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, hours after the Supreme Court ordered a floor test in the state assembly. "We realised that we don't have the required numbers to form the government and we don't want to indulge in horse-trading," Fadnavis told reporters after announcing his decision. Earlier in the day, his deputy, NCP's Ajit Pawar resigned from the post, just three days after he was sworn-in. Soon after Fadnavis and Pawar's resignation, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut confirmed that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has resigned from his post of deputy chief minister and is now with "us". In a sudden turn of event, both Fadnavis and Pawar were administered the oath on Saturday morning, nixing Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP's bid to form government in the state.

Maharashtra: Congress-Sena-NCP will meet governor tomorrow to form government in the state, says Prithviraj Chavan

Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics. It was spoiled by BJP, said senior NCP leader on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-meeting-of-mlas-from-ncp-shiv-sena-congress-called-today-to-elect-leader-264633">Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP </a>have submitted a letter to Maharashtra Governor on Monday regarding the support of 162 MLAs to form a government in Maharashtra. Majority support of 145 MLAs is required for government formation in the state. Traditionally, allies Congress and NCP are political opponents of Shiv Sena. But, the three parties have come together after Shiv Sena had a fallout with its long-term ally BJP over the power-sharing&nbsp;agreement.&nbsp;

"Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics, they came into existence to serve the people of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena was spoiled after joining hand with BJP, " senior NCP leader Nawab Malik said, reports ANI.

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Nawab Malik,NCP: Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics , they came into existence to serve the people of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena was spoiled after joining hand with BJP <a href="https://t.co/n4LPqqlaOo">pic.twitter.com/n4LPqqlaOo</a>
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He also said that NCP supremo Sharad Pawar asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-has-given-consent-to-become-maharashtra-chief-minister-sanjay-raut-263954">Uddhav Thackeray </a>to become CM of Maharashtra, to which he agreed.&nbsp;

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Nawab Malik,NCP: Sharad Pawar saheb had said that Uddhav ji will be the Chief Minister and Uddhav ji has also agreed to this <a href="https://t.co/SoMCCT64AI">https://t.co/SoMCCT64AI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1199300514371915776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Malik said that NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress alliance will last for a long time and this alliance will be the beginning of BJP's end. "BJP has become very arrogant, " Malik said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Devendra Fadnavis </a>resigned as the chief minister of Maharashtra. Fadnavis said that he took the step after NCP's Ajit Pawar submitted his resignation as deputy CM. The decision came after the Supreme Court ordered conducting a floor test in order to test the majority of BJP government in the Maharashtra Assembly.

In a surprising move, Fadnavis took oath as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Maharashtra CM </a>after getting support from Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar. Before this development, Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress were in the final stages to form an alliance in Maharashtra.

The results of Maharashtra Assembly elections were declared on October 24. BJP won the maximum number of seats: 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively.

Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics. It was spoiled by BJP, said senior NCP leader on Tuesday. Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have submitted a letter to Maharashtra Governor on Monday regarding the support of 162 MLAs to form a government in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics. It was spoiled by BJP, said senior NCP leader on Tuesday. Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have submitted a letter to Maharashtra Governor on Monday regarding the support of 162 MLAs to form a government in Maharashtra. Majority support of 145 MLAs is required for government formation in the state. Traditionally, allies Congress and NCP are political opponents of Shiv Sena. But, the three parties have come together after Shiv Sena had a fallout with its long-term ally BJP over the power-sharing agreement. "Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics, they came into existence to serve the people of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena was spoiled after joining hand with BJP, " senior NCP leader Nawab Malik said, reports ANI. Nawab Malik,NCP: Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics , they came into existence to serve the people of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena was spoiled after joining hand with BJP pic.twitter.com/n4LPqqlaOo — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2019 × He also said that NCP supremo Sharad Pawar asked Uddhav Thackeray to become CM of Maharashtra, to which he agreed. Nawab Malik,NCP: Sharad Pawar saheb had said that Uddhav ji will be the Chief Minister and Uddhav ji has also agreed to this https://t.co/SoMCCT64AI — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2019 × Malik said that NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress alliance will last for a long time and this alliance will be the beginning of BJP's end. "BJP has become very arrogant, " Malik said. Earlier today, Devendra Fadnavis resigned as the chief minister of Maharashtra. Fadnavis said that he took the step after NCP's Ajit Pawar submitted his resignation as deputy CM. The decision came after the Supreme Court ordered conducting a floor test in order to test the majority of BJP government in the Maharashtra Assembly. In a surprising move, Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra CM after getting support from Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar. Before this development, Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress were in the final stages to form an alliance in Maharashtra. The results of Maharashtra Assembly elections were declared on October 24. BJP won the maximum number of seats: 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively.

Shiv Sena was not born to do communal politics: Senior NCP leader

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>
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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

Youth Congress workers on Monday held a protest here against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra.

The party workers raised slogans against BJP leaders and the government and also burnt effigies. At a time when deliberations among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-accuses-bjp-of-murdering-democracy-in-maharashtra-264335">Congress</a>, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in Maharashtra had seemingly reached a final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second time as Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly in last month`s assembly polls followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Youth Congress workers on Monday held a protest here against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra. The party workers raised slogans against BJP leaders and the government and also burnt effigies.

Youth Congress workers on Monday held a protest here against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra. The party workers raised slogans against BJP leaders and the government and also burnt effigies. At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in Maharashtra had seemingly reached a final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second time as Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly in last month`s assembly polls followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Youth Congress leaders protest against BJP's govt formation in Maharashtra

The Supreme Court will on Sunday hear a joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and 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 petitioners have requested the Supreme Court to order a floor test to be held on Sunday (today) itself.

Senior Congress leader and advocate Kapil Sibal will appear in the court on behalf of the petitioners. The matter will be heard at 11:30 am.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had confirmed that the petition was filed by three political parties on Saturday evening in the apex court requesting for an immediate floor test in order to "expose the illegitimate and unconstitutional government" headed by Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

"The registry has intimated to us that the petition will be heard on Sunday at 11:30. We are very confident that the majesty of law and the Constitution will prevail and forces led by the BJP, who have taken a contract for the murder of democracy will get a befitting reply through the majesty of law," he had said.

The plea will be heard by the bench of Justice NV Ramana, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Senior advocate Devadutt Kamat for Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena had said that in their petition, they have requested the Supreme Court to order a floor test to be held on Sunday (today) itself.

"We have said that without any majority of Fadnavis and the BJP, the Governor called and installed him as the Chief Minister of the state. We have also asked for an urgent direction for a floor test to be held on Sunday itself within 24 hours as was directed by the court in Karnataka case. We are hopeful the Supreme Court will hear us. Our petition has been numbered," he had said.

After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar as his deputy chief minister.

The Supreme Court will on Sunday hear a joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and 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 Supreme Court will on Sunday hear a joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and 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 petitioners have requested the Supreme Court to order a floor test to be held on Sunday (today) itself. Senior Congress leader and advocate Kapil Sibal will appear in the court on behalf of the petitioners. The matter will be heard at 11:30 am. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had confirmed that the petition was filed by three political parties on Saturday evening in the apex court requesting for an immediate floor test in order to "expose the illegitimate and unconstitutional government" headed by Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. "The registry has intimated to us that the petition will be heard on Sunday at 11:30. We are very confident that the majesty of law and the Constitution will prevail and forces led by the BJP, who have taken a contract for the murder of democracy will get a befitting reply through the majesty of law," he had said. The plea will be heard by the bench of Justice NV Ramana, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Senior advocate Devadutt Kamat for Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena had said that in their petition, they have requested the Supreme Court to order a floor test to be held on Sunday (today) itself. "We have said that without any majority of Fadnavis and the BJP, the Governor called and installed him as the Chief Minister of the state. We have also asked for an urgent direction for a floor test to be held on Sunday itself within 24 hours as was directed by the court in Karnataka case. We are hopeful the Supreme Court will hear us. Our petition has been numbered," he had said. After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar as his deputy chief minister.

Maharashtra political crisis: All eyes on Supreme Court today

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at his residence on Sunday.

In a surprise move on Saturday morning, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while NCP's Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

This came after a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month.

Following which Ajit Pawar was expelled as legislative party leader of NCP and Jayant Patil was entrusted with the responsibility.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai Congress leader Ashok Chavan also reached the NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's residence to hold a meeting with the senior leader.

Supreme Court today will hear a joint plea of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting BJP`s Devendra Fadnavis to form the government.

Nationalist Congress Party late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to 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.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at his residence on Sunday. In a surprise move on Saturday morning, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while NCP's Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Dilip Walse Patil met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at his residence on Sunday. In a surprise move on Saturday morning, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while NCP's Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy. This came after a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month. Following which Ajit Pawar was expelled as legislative party leader of NCP and Jayant Patil was entrusted with the responsibility. Meanwhile, in Mumbai Congress leader Ashok Chavan also reached the NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's residence to hold a meeting with the senior leader. Supreme Court today will hear a joint plea of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting BJP`s Devendra Fadnavis to form the government. Nationalist Congress Party late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to 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.

NCP MLA Dilip Walse Patil meets Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Shiv Sena chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">Uddhav Thackeray </a>and party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday reached Renaissance Hotel, in Mumbai, where Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs are staying since yesterday night.

The Nationalist Congress Party had on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai. NCP MLA Manikrao Kakate, who was missing since yesterday and who reportedly accompanied Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to the Governor`s residence had also reached the Renaissance hotel on Sunday morning.

Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had also reached the hotel to meet MLAs of his party.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday reached Renaissance Hotel, in Mumbai, where Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs are staying since yesterday night.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday reached Renaissance Hotel, in Mumbai, where Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs are staying since yesterday night. The Nationalist Congress Party had on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai. NCP MLA Manikrao Kakate, who was missing since yesterday and who reportedly accompanied Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to the Governor`s residence had also reached the Renaissance hotel on Sunday morning. Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had also reached the hotel to meet MLAs of his party.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and son Aaditya reach Mumbai hotel to meet NCP MLAs

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

Speaking to media outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's Silver Oak's residence, Malik said, "By this evening all the MLAs of our party will come back to us. Fadnavis will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House, we demand that he tenders resignation."

Speaking about Ajit Pawar, who sided with the BJP in a surprise move, Malik said, "Ajit has committed a mistake. Efforts are being made since yesterday to make him understand, he has not given any indication so far. It will be better if he realises his mistake."

After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House. Speaking to media outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's Silver Oak's residence, Malik said, "By this evening all the MLAs of our party will come back to us. Fadnavis will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House, we demand that he tenders resignation." Speaking about Ajit Pawar, who sided with the BJP in a surprise move, Malik said, "Ajit has committed a mistake. Efforts are being made since yesterday to make him understand, he has not given any indication so far. It will be better if he realises his mistake." After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Fadnavis won't be able to prove majority, should resign: NCP's Nawab Malik

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavi</a>s will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly.

"The entire government formation episode is a facade. They will lose on the floor of Vidhan Sabha. All MLAs are with us," Malik told reporters here.

Malik also took a veiled attack at Ajit Pawar who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and said that NCP had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance which were later misused.

"We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, they were misused as a basis for the oath," Malik.

Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second term.BJP, with 105 seats forged alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party which bagged 54 seats to garner the majority figure.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar clarified that the decision of going with BJP to form the government in Maharashtra is of his nephew Ajit Pawar, who took as Deputy Chief Minister today.

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," Sharad Pawar tweeted.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government.

Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

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. 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly. "The entire government formation episode is a facade. They will lose on the floor of Vidhan Sabha. All MLAs are with us," Malik told reporters here. Malik also took a veiled attack at Ajit Pawar who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and said that NCP had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance which were later misused. "We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, they were misused as a basis for the oath," Malik. Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second term.BJP, with 105 seats forged alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party which bagged 54 seats to garner the majority figure. Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar clarified that the decision of going with BJP to form the government in Maharashtra is of his nephew Ajit Pawar, who took as Deputy Chief Minister today. "Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," Sharad Pawar tweeted. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. 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.

All MLAs are with us, Fadnavis government will fail in floor test: NCP leader Nawab Malik

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will elect new legislative&nbsp;leader, party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday after he was removed from the position.&nbsp;

In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar on Saturday joined hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. While BJP's Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister and took oath for the second consecutive term.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai along with Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackray, Sharad Pawar said, "Today, a new NCP legislative party leader will be elected here (Mumbai) at 4 pm."

"Action against Ajit Pawar will be taken as per the procedure," Sarad Pawar also said.

Earlier in the day, reacting to the developments, Sharad Pawar said it was Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP and not of the NCP's.

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.&nbsp;

On Friday, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government.

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will elect new legislative leader, party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday after he was removed from the position. In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar on Saturday joined hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will elect new legislative leader, party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday after he was removed from the position. In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar on Saturday joined hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. While BJP's Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister and took oath for the second consecutive term. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai along with Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackray, Sharad Pawar said, "Today, a new NCP legislative party leader will be elected here (Mumbai) at 4 pm." "Action against Ajit Pawar will be taken as per the procedure," Sarad Pawar also said. Earlier in the day, reacting to the developments, Sharad Pawar said it was Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP and not of the NCP's. "Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. On Friday, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: NCP to name new legislative leader after it sacked Ajit Pawar

Senior Shiv Sena leader claimed on Saturday that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and whosoever is behind this act will be exposed soon.&nbsp;

Earlier today, in a massive turn of events, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit </a>as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively in the wee hours on Saturday. The development comes as a shock to NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena who were close to finalise&nbsp;the power-sharing deal to form government in the state.&nbsp;

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Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister again,NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM,oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan <a href="https://t.co/KrejSTXTBd">pic.twitter.com/KrejSTXTBd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198069133469872129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

On Saturday morning, the President's rule in Maharahstra was revoked.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said Ajit has been blackmailed and whosoever hatched this act will be exposed in Sena's mouthpiece Saamna newspaper soon. "Of the eight MLAs who had gone with Ajit Pawar, five of them returned. They were lied to, put in a car, and sort of kidnapped," Raut claimed.&nbsp;

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Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: We are in touch with Dhananjay Munde and there is a possibility of even Ajit Pawar coming back. Ajit has been blackmailed, it will be exposed who is behind this, in Saamna newspaper soon. <a href="https://t.co/vESFauyjWR">https://t.co/vESFauyjWR</a> <a href="https://t.co/DIomJ1niK2">pic.twitter.com/DIomJ1niK2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198152168567500800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Raut also dared BJP to prove a majority in the Legislative Assembly.&nbsp;

Earlier, NCP chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-support-or-endorse-ajit-pawars-decision-to-support-bjp-sharad-pawar-on-ajit-decision-to-support-bjp-263991">Sharad Pawar </a>said that Ajit's decision to support BJP was "against the party line" and all NCP MLAs who supported Ajit will be disqualified. &nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray issued a stern warning to BJP that Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Sena in a joint press conference with Sharad.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reacting on the latest development in Maharashtra, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that all three parties: Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP are united and will defeat BJP in the floor test.

On Sunday, NCP chief said that Uddhav will lead the government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

From a few weeks, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were working on a common minimum programme (CMP) to form government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

BJP, Shiv Sena fought election together but had a fallout over the post of chief minister. The results of Assembly elections in Maharashtra were declared on October 24 and BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. &nbsp;Support&nbsp;of at least 145 seats is required to form government in Maharashtra. 
&nbsp;

Senior Shiv Sena leader claimed on Saturday that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and whosoever is behind this act will be exposed soon. Earlier today, in a massive turn of events, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively in the wee hours on Saturday.

Senior Shiv Sena leader claimed on Saturday that NCP leader Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and whosoever is behind this act will be exposed soon. Earlier today, in a massive turn of events, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively in the wee hours on Saturday. The development comes as a shock to NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena who were close to finalise the power-sharing deal to form government in the state. Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister again,NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM,oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan pic.twitter.com/KrejSTXTBd — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × On Saturday morning, the President's rule in Maharahstra was revoked. Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said Ajit has been blackmailed and whosoever hatched this act will be exposed in Sena's mouthpiece Saamna newspaper soon. "Of the eight MLAs who had gone with Ajit Pawar, five of them returned. They were lied to, put in a car, and sort of kidnapped," Raut claimed. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: We are in touch with Dhananjay Munde and there is a possibility of even Ajit Pawar coming back. Ajit has been blackmailed, it will be exposed who is behind this, in Saamna newspaper soon. https://t.co/vESFauyjWR pic.twitter.com/DIomJ1niK2 — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × Raut also dared BJP to prove a majority in the Legislative Assembly. Earlier, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that Ajit's decision to support BJP was "against the party line" and all NCP MLAs who supported Ajit will be disqualified. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray issued a stern warning to BJP that Maharashtra will not stay asleep if BJP tries to break Sena in a joint press conference with Sharad. Reacting on the latest development in Maharashtra, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that all three parties: Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP are united and will defeat BJP in the floor test. On Sunday, NCP chief said that Uddhav will lead the government in Maharashtra. From a few weeks, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena were working on a common minimum programme (CMP) to form government in Maharashtra. BJP, Shiv Sena fought election together but had a fallout over the post of chief minister. The results of Assembly elections in Maharashtra were declared on October 24 and BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. Support of at least 145 seats is required to form government in Maharashtra.

Ajit Pawar was blackmailed, MLAs kidnapped: Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

After being sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-ncp-to-name-new-legislative-leader-after-it-sacked-ajit-pawar-264033"> NCP Ajit Pawar</a> said that it's more suitable for two parties (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">BJP-NCP</a>) to come together to form a government rather than three parties (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena) to strive for it.

"The mandate was in clear favour to none and it was not possible for any party to form the government alone. Two-three parties have to come together to form the government however, eventually, two parties coming together and forming a government is more suitable," said Pawar.

In what can be termed as a surprising development, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday 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 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; 
&nbsp;

After being sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, NCP Ajit Pawar said that it's more suitable for two parties (BJP-NCP) to come together to form a government rather than three parties (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena) to strive for it.

After being sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, NCP Ajit Pawar said that it's more suitable for two parties (BJP-NCP) to come together to form a government rather than three parties (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena) to strive for it. "The mandate was in clear favour to none and it was not possible for any party to form the government alone. Two-three parties have to come together to form the government however, eventually, two parties coming together and forming a government is more suitable," said Pawar. In what can be termed as a surprising development, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday 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 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.

Two parties coming together to form government is more suitable: Ajit Pawar

The Congress and NCP will able to give a "stable" government to Maharashtra, senior Congress leader said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference, former CM Prithviraj Chavan said that both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-political-crisis-top-leaders-of-ncp-and-congress-to-meet-in-new-delhi-today-263293">Congress and NCP </a>had long and "positive" discussions today, adding that they will soon form a stable government in Maharashtra.

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Prithviraj Chavan, Congress on Maharashtra govt formation: Congress-NCP has had long and positive discussions today. Discussions will continue; I am sure we will be able to give a stable govt to Maharashtra very soon. <a href="https://t.co/148KbFDhs0">pic.twitter.com/148KbFDhs0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1197168535824240640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It should be noted that Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have to come together in order to bring enough numbers to form government in the state. Maharashtra is currently under <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/maharashtra-placed-under-presidents-rule-after-parties-fail-to-claim-power-261610">President's rule </a>as both BJP and Shiv Sena were not able to form government in the deadline allotted to them.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the whole of Maharashtra desires that Uddhav Thackeray becomes the CM.&nbsp;

"When three parties form a government, the process becomes long. This process has started today. In coming two-five days, a government will be formed in Maharashtra," Raut said.&nbsp;

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Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Shiv Sena ka mukhyamantri banna chahiye yeh Maharashtra ki janta ki ichha hai. Yeh rajya ki bhavna hai ki Uddhav Thackeray Ji netritv karen. <a href="https://t.co/LiYgmedGft">https://t.co/LiYgmedGft</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1197178488077217792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal also briefed the party's interim chief Sonia Gandhi regarding the meeting with NCP.

Earlier on Wednesday, NCP chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharad-pawar-meets-pm-narendra-modi-to-discuss-farmer-crisis-in-maharashtra-263410">Sharad Pawar met PM Narendra Modi</a>, leading to reports of new political arithmetic in Maharashtra. PM Modi also praised NCP on Tuesday during his address in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).&nbsp;

However, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik late on Wednesday&nbsp;said that both Congress and NCP have decided to form an "alternative" government in Maharashtra. He also added that this "alternative" will not be possible without Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress joining hands.&nbsp;

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Nawab Malik: Congress-NCP together decided that we must give an alternate govt in Maharashtra. It is not possible without NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena coming together. We are trying our best to resolve all issues. We will provide alternate govt as soon as possible. <a href="https://t.co/51osLVVtDA">https://t.co/51osLVVtDA</a> <a href="https://t.co/TXG0npr5nM">pic.twitter.com/TXG0npr5nM</a>
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Last week, all three parties drafted a common minimum programme (CMP) to form government in the state. Senior leaders of NCP and Congress are continuing discussions over finalising the CMP.&nbsp;

Earlier, traditional allies BJP and Shiv Sena had formed an alliance for the Assembly elections in Maharashtra. However, after the results were declared on October 24, both parties had a fallout over the power-sharing agreement. BJP denies Shiv Sena's claims of 50:50 agreement where both parties will have its CM for 2.5 years.

BJP won the maximum number of seats (105) in recently held elections in the state. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. &nbsp;A majority of 145 seats are required in order to form government in Maharastra.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress and NCP will able to give a "stable" government to Maharashtra, senior Congress leader said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, former CM Prithviraj Chavan said that both Congress and NCP had long and "positive" discussions today, adding that they will soon form a stable government in Maharashtra.

The Congress and NCP will able to give a "stable" government to Maharashtra, senior Congress leader said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, former CM Prithviraj Chavan said that both Congress and NCP had long and "positive" discussions today, adding that they will soon form a stable government in Maharashtra. Prithviraj Chavan, Congress on Maharashtra govt formation: Congress-NCP has had long and positive discussions today. Discussions will continue; I am sure we will be able to give a stable govt to Maharashtra very soon. pic.twitter.com/148KbFDhs0 — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2019 × It should be noted that Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have to come together in order to bring enough numbers to form government in the state. Maharashtra is currently under President's rule as both BJP and Shiv Sena were not able to form government in the deadline allotted to them. On Wednesday, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the whole of Maharashtra desires that Uddhav Thackeray becomes the CM. "When three parties form a government, the process becomes long. This process has started today. In coming two-five days, a government will be formed in Maharashtra," Raut said. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Shiv Sena ka mukhyamantri banna chahiye yeh Maharashtra ki janta ki ichha hai. Yeh rajya ki bhavna hai ki Uddhav Thackeray Ji netritv karen. https://t.co/LiYgmedGft — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2019 × Senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal also briefed the party's interim chief Sonia Gandhi regarding the meeting with NCP. Earlier on Wednesday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar met PM Narendra Modi, leading to reports of new political arithmetic in Maharashtra. PM Modi also praised NCP on Tuesday during his address in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). However, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik late on Wednesday said that both Congress and NCP have decided to form an "alternative" government in Maharashtra. He also added that this "alternative" will not be possible without Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress joining hands. Nawab Malik: Congress-NCP together decided that we must give an alternate govt in Maharashtra. It is not possible without NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena coming together. We are trying our best to resolve all issues. We will provide alternate govt as soon as possible. https://t.co/51osLVVtDA pic.twitter.com/TXG0npr5nM — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2019 × Last week, all three parties drafted a common minimum programme (CMP) to form government in the state. Senior leaders of NCP and Congress are continuing discussions over finalising the CMP. Earlier, traditional allies BJP and Shiv Sena had formed an alliance for the Assembly elections in Maharashtra. However, after the results were declared on October 24, both parties had a fallout over the power-sharing agreement. BJP denies Shiv Sena's claims of 50:50 agreement where both parties will have its CM for 2.5 years. BJP won the maximum number of seats (105) in recently held elections in the state. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress claimed 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. A majority of 145 seats are required in order to form government in Maharastra.

Maharashtra power struggle: Congress, NCP say discussions 'positive', will give 'stable' govt soon

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

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that his party wants to rule Maharashtra for the next 25 years.

''We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years and you are talking about five years,'' Shiv Sena leader was quoted as saying when asked&nbsp;whether the party is eyeing the post of chief ministership for 2.5 or 5 years.

He also said that Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalised the draft of the Common Minimum Programme in the interests of the people of the state after several consultations over the last 48 hours.

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Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on being asked 'if Shiv Sena CM will be for 5 years or CM will be for 2.5 years each from NCP and Shiv Sena?': Hum toh chahte hain aane wale 25 saal tak Shiv Sena ka CM rahe, aap 5 saal ki baat kyun karte ho. <a href="https://t.co/ZH69LUDoTG">pic.twitter.com/ZH69LUDoTG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1195205537509462016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Three weeks after election results were announced on October 24, the new government is likely to be formed in Maharahstra soon.&nbsp;NCP leader Sharad Pawar on Friday said that the process to form government in the state has begun and it would run for full 5 years.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the CM will be from Shiv Sena. "Shiv Sena has been insulted, so it is our responsibility to fight for their self-respect", Malik added.

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Nawab Malik, NCP: Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. <a href="https://t.co/qHiVoFoRlR">pic.twitter.com/qHiVoFoRlR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1195213291175530497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On November 12, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-placed-under-presidents-rule-after-parties-fail-to-claim-power-261610">President's rule </a>was implemented in Maharashtra after BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP failed to form government in the time period allotted to them.

In the Assembly elections that were held on October 21 in Maharashtra, 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 Maharashtra.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that his party wants to rule Maharashtra for the next 25 years. ''We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years and you are talking about five years,'' Shiv Sena leader was quoted as saying when asked whether the party is eyeing the post of chief ministership for 2.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that his party wants to rule Maharashtra for the next 25 years. ''We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years and you are talking about five years,'' Shiv Sena leader was quoted as saying when asked whether the party is eyeing the post of chief ministership for 2.5 or 5 years. He also said that Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalised the draft of the Common Minimum Programme in the interests of the people of the state after several consultations over the last 48 hours. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on being asked 'if Shiv Sena CM will be for 5 years or CM will be for 2.5 years each from NCP and Shiv Sena?': Hum toh chahte hain aane wale 25 saal tak Shiv Sena ka CM rahe, aap 5 saal ki baat kyun karte ho. pic.twitter.com/ZH69LUDoTG — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × Three weeks after election results were announced on October 24, the new government is likely to be formed in Maharahstra soon. NCP leader Sharad Pawar on Friday said that the process to form government in the state has begun and it would run for full 5 years. Meanwhile, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the CM will be from Shiv Sena. "Shiv Sena has been insulted, so it is our responsibility to fight for their self-respect", Malik added. Nawab Malik, NCP: Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. pic.twitter.com/qHiVoFoRlR — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × On November 12, President's rule was implemented in Maharashtra after BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP failed to form government in the time period allotted to them. In the Assembly elections that were held on October 21 in Maharashtra, 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 Maharashtra. (with inputs from agencies)

'We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years,' says Sanjay Raut as Shiv Sena closes in on deal with Congress, NCP

As talks are going on between Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a non-BJP government in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-a-cm-from-shiv-sena-for-25-years-sanjay-raut-on-maharashtra-power-struggle-262273">Maharashtra</a>, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the chief minister will be from Shiv Sena only.

"Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. (Question is being asked continuously whether the Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena? Differences came up between Shiv Sena and BJP due to the Chief Minister's post, so definitely Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena has been insulted, it is our responsibility to maintain their self-respect)," Malik told ANI here.

Malik said that the leaders of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalized its draft of the Common Minimum Programme and the said draft has already been sent to the top leadership of all three political parties and now it is under their consideration." Soon there will be a decision on it," Malik said.

"Our Common Minimum Programme basically includes the issue of farmers, loan waiver, Job creation to youngsters etc," he added.

Malik said that looking at the current farmers'&nbsp;issues in Maharashtra, the parties are of the view of forming a "stable government as soon as possible."

Asked about former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's&nbsp;comment that there is no alternative than BJP in Maharashtra to form the government, Malik said, "Devendra Fadnavis is now a former chief minister and he is reacting like a lost General of the Army who is falsely encouraging his Army to fight in the battlefield. There is no chance of BJP forming government in the state because BJP doesn't have the required number to form the government."

On Thursday, leaders from Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress held a meeting to finalise its draft of Common Minimum Programme.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule after no party was able to show numbers to form a government after the assembly polls. The BJP and Shiv Sena, who fought the polls together, got an absolute majority but could not form a government due to differences over power-sharing.BJP, which emerged the single-largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, expressed its inability to form the government. The state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari later asked Shiv Sena and NCP about their intent and ability to form the government. Both parties sought more time. NCP and Congress fought the elections in an alliance.&nbsp;

As talks are going on between Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a non-BJP government in Maharashtra, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the chief minister will be from Shiv Sena only.

As talks are going on between Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a non-BJP government in Maharashtra, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the chief minister will be from Shiv Sena only. "Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. (Question is being asked continuously whether the Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena? Differences came up between Shiv Sena and BJP due to the Chief Minister's post, so definitely Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena has been insulted, it is our responsibility to maintain their self-respect)," Malik told ANI here. Malik said that the leaders of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalized its draft of the Common Minimum Programme and the said draft has already been sent to the top leadership of all three political parties and now it is under their consideration." Soon there will be a decision on it," Malik said. "Our Common Minimum Programme basically includes the issue of farmers, loan waiver, Job creation to youngsters etc," he added. Malik said that looking at the current farmers' issues in Maharashtra, the parties are of the view of forming a "stable government as soon as possible." Asked about former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's comment that there is no alternative than BJP in Maharashtra to form the government, Malik said, "Devendra Fadnavis is now a former chief minister and he is reacting like a lost General of the Army who is falsely encouraging his Army to fight in the battlefield. There is no chance of BJP forming government in the state because BJP doesn't have the required number to form the government." On Thursday, leaders from Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress held a meeting to finalise its draft of Common Minimum Programme. Maharashtra came under President's Rule after no party was able to show numbers to form a government after the assembly polls. The BJP and Shiv Sena, who fought the polls together, got an absolute majority but could not form a government due to differences over power-sharing.BJP, which emerged the single-largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, expressed its inability to form the government. The state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari later asked Shiv Sena and NCP about their intent and ability to form the government. Both parties sought more time. NCP and Congress fought the elections in an alliance.

Maharashtra CM will be from Shiv Sena, says senior NCP leader