Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said here on Friday that the party will play the role of an "efficient Opposition".

"Our role is, that people have given us the opportunity to sit in the Opposition and not form the government. We will carry out our work efficiently," said Pawar.

The results for 288 Assembly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-assembly-election-results-2019-bjp-shiv-sena-set-to-form-govt-but-fall-short-of-their-projected-target-258072">constituencies of Maharashtra </a>were declared on Thursday with the BJP securing a total of 105 seats and its alliance partner Shiv Sena, 56 seats. As per the Election Commission, BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena (56), Congress (44) and the Nationalist Congress Party (54). 
BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra assembly polls.

In this election, the BJP vociferously raised the issues of national security and development during the polls while the opposition sought to keep the campaign focused on issues such as "economic slowdown" and "job losses".

However, the NCP increased its numbers as compared to the 2014 elections.

The Congress slipped to the fourth position in a state where it was once the dominant player.

The NCP also won the prestigious by-poll to Satara Lok Sabha seat, where its candidate Shriniwas Patil defeated BJP's Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Bhosale had left the NCP and joined BJP last month.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar had campaigned extensively in the state to boost the party's prospects.

It will be the first time that Maharashtra will have the BJP chief minister for the second successive term in office.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said here on Friday that the party will play the role of an "efficient Opposition". "Our role is, that people have given us the opportunity to sit in the Opposition and not form the government.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said here on Friday that the party will play the role of an "efficient Opposition". "Our role is, that people have given us the opportunity to sit in the Opposition and not form the government. We will carry out our work efficiently," said Pawar. The results for 288 Assembly constituencies of Maharashtra were declared on Thursday with the BJP securing a total of 105 seats and its alliance partner Shiv Sena, 56 seats. As per the Election Commission, BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena (56), Congress (44) and the Nationalist Congress Party (54). BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra assembly polls. In this election, the BJP vociferously raised the issues of national security and development during the polls while the opposition sought to keep the campaign focused on issues such as "economic slowdown" and "job losses". However, the NCP increased its numbers as compared to the 2014 elections. The Congress slipped to the fourth position in a state where it was once the dominant player. The NCP also won the prestigious by-poll to Satara Lok Sabha seat, where its candidate Shriniwas Patil defeated BJP's Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Bhosale had left the NCP and joined BJP last month. NCP chief Sharad Pawar had campaigned extensively in the state to boost the party's prospects. It will be the first time that Maharashtra will have the BJP chief minister for the second successive term in office.

We will play the role of an efficient Opposition: Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, an old warhorse of Indian politics, has been named in an enforcement case investigation report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Rs 25,000 crore Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam case. His nephew Ajit Pawar is also an accused in the case.&nbsp;

Sharad Pawar has called it vendetta politics before the state polls due next month and thundered that like Shivaji, he won’t bow down to the powers in Delhi.

NCP is fighting for survival with its back to the wall. The party is facing a mass exodus of leaders. Almost daily, there is news of this or that MLA, MLC, corporator, senior leader leaving the party and joining either BJP or the Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

NCP was formed in May 1999 by Sharad Pawar, PA Sangma, and Tariq Anwar after they were expelled from the Congress for opposing Italian Sonia Gandhi’s ascendancy to party president post. Sangma left the party in 2012, while Tariq Anwar quit last year and returned to the Congress.&nbsp;

The party didn’t have a base of its own. The Congress split down the line from the top to the bottom and many leaders/workers switched loyalties to Pawar. He wasn’t ever able to create a vote bank or support apart from the one enjoyed by the Congress party. The 1999 state elections held within three months of formation of the party threw up a hung verdict.

Pawar allied with Congress to form government in the state, the same party that he had left three months ago.

The Congress-NCP alliance went on to rule the state for 15 years on the trot. In 2004, NCP got more seats than the Congress; despite that, he offered the Chief Minister’s chair to the grand old party. In effect, the party leaders and workers enjoyed power since the foundation days of the party.

Now NCP is out of power for the last five years and has faced a serious drubbing in two consecutive general elections. The workers are not used to being out of power and it has impacted their status and funding. To add to the woes of the party, the

Maratha voter, its staunchest supporter, has deserted it. The Maratha elite, which is used to be in the corridors of power, has moved to BJP and the Shiv Sena in the last five years.

The party has been accused of espousing the cause of the elite and not the common Marathis, whose exodus to the saffron parties, began much earlier.&nbsp;

BJP is giving tough competition to NCP in its den of western Maharashtra. Western Maharashtra is the second most urbanised region after Mumbai-Thane. Its GDP per capita is second only to Mumbai-Thane.

While NCP won half of its tally from this region in 2014 state elections, BJP finished ahead of the party bagging 25 seats versus 19 of NCP. Urban centres have traditionally supported the BJP across the country.&nbsp;

NCP has been reduced to a party of Pawars, Patils, Naiks, Bhujbals and Ranes. Dynastic politics has plagued the party. In new India where youth are rejecting such politics, NCP is struggling to cope up with this phenomenon.

Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, who is considered his heir, is already 60. He is brash and arrogant, not liked by many senior leaders. The recent exodus is partly because of his autocratic style of functioning. Many NCP leaders do not want to work alongside him.

Many corruption cases have tied him down. His son Parth unsuccessfully contested the general elections early this year.

While Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is popular in her constituency and is slowly making her mark in Parliament in matters of woman and child development, she doesn’t enjoy the same mass connect as her father.

NCP is essentially a party of regional landlords, powerful sugar lobby and cooperative societies (who arranged &amp; managed the votes in their constituencies) with little or no direct connection with the voters.

Even Pawar is aware that NCP is politically shrinking. At this age, he is touring the state drumming up support for the UPA after having bargained for an equal number of seats with Congress. Time is ticking fast on the clock of the party! 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pawar-ncp-face-an-existential-crisis-like-never-before-2793357"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, an old warhorse of Indian politics, has been named in an enforcement case investigation report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Rs 25,000 crore Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam case.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, an old warhorse of Indian politics, has been named in an enforcement case investigation report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Rs 25,000 crore Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam case. His nephew Ajit Pawar is also an accused in the case. Sharad Pawar has called it vendetta politics before the state polls due next month and thundered that like Shivaji, he won’t bow down to the powers in Delhi. NCP is fighting for survival with its back to the wall. The party is facing a mass exodus of leaders. Almost daily, there is news of this or that MLA, MLC, corporator, senior leader leaving the party and joining either BJP or the Shiv Sena. NCP was formed in May 1999 by Sharad Pawar, PA Sangma, and Tariq Anwar after they were expelled from the Congress for opposing Italian Sonia Gandhi’s ascendancy to party president post. Sangma left the party in 2012, while Tariq Anwar quit last year and returned to the Congress. The party didn’t have a base of its own. The Congress split down the line from the top to the bottom and many leaders/workers switched loyalties to Pawar. He wasn’t ever able to create a vote bank or support apart from the one enjoyed by the Congress party. The 1999 state elections held within three months of formation of the party threw up a hung verdict. Pawar allied with Congress to form government in the state, the same party that he had left three months ago. The Congress-NCP alliance went on to rule the state for 15 years on the trot. In 2004, NCP got more seats than the Congress; despite that, he offered the Chief Minister’s chair to the grand old party. In effect, the party leaders and workers enjoyed power since the foundation days of the party. Now NCP is out of power for the last five years and has faced a serious drubbing in two consecutive general elections. The workers are not used to being out of power and it has impacted their status and funding. To add to the woes of the party, the Maratha voter, its staunchest supporter, has deserted it. The Maratha elite, which is used to be in the corridors of power, has moved to BJP and the Shiv Sena in the last five years. The party has been accused of espousing the cause of the elite and not the common Marathis, whose exodus to the saffron parties, began much earlier. BJP is giving tough competition to NCP in its den of western Maharashtra. Western Maharashtra is the second most urbanised region after Mumbai-Thane. Its GDP per capita is second only to Mumbai-Thane. While NCP won half of its tally from this region in 2014 state elections, BJP finished ahead of the party bagging 25 seats versus 19 of NCP. Urban centres have traditionally supported the BJP across the country. NCP has been reduced to a party of Pawars, Patils, Naiks, Bhujbals and Ranes. Dynastic politics has plagued the party. In new India where youth are rejecting such politics, NCP is struggling to cope up with this phenomenon. Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, who is considered his heir, is already 60. He is brash and arrogant, not liked by many senior leaders. The recent exodus is partly because of his autocratic style of functioning. Many NCP leaders do not want to work alongside him. Many corruption cases have tied him down. His son Parth unsuccessfully contested the general elections early this year. While Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is popular in her constituency and is slowly making her mark in Parliament in matters of woman and child development, she doesn’t enjoy the same mass connect as her father. NCP is essentially a party of regional landlords, powerful sugar lobby and cooperative societies (who arranged & managed the votes in their constituencies) with little or no direct connection with the voters. Even Pawar is aware that NCP is politically shrinking. At this age, he is touring the state drumming up support for the UPA after having bargained for an equal number of seats with Congress. Time is ticking fast on the clock of the party! (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sharad Pawar, NCP face an existential crisis like never before

In a major jolt to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party's three MLAs - Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad - joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The three MLAs joined BJP in presence of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday. Maharashtra women wing president Chitra Wagh, who resigned from her post on July 27, also joined the Saffron party along with them.

Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-1-congress-3-nationalist-congress-mlas-to-join-bjp-today-239631">handed over their resignation letters</a> to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade on Tuesday.

On July 25, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-mumbai-chief-ahir-joshi-cross-over-to-bjp-238357">Ahir Joshi</a>, Mumbai President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had crossed over to Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar remained unfazed and said he has experience of handling such situations. He extended his best wished to all those who have crossed over to other parties and said such situations arise in politics sometimes. 
 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a major jolt to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party's three MLAs - Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad - joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a major jolt to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party's three MLAs - Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad - joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The three MLAs joined BJP in presence of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday. Maharashtra women wing president Chitra Wagh, who resigned from her post on July 27, also joined the Saffron party along with them. Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade on Tuesday. On July 25, Ahir Joshi, Mumbai President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had crossed over to Shiv Sena. Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year. Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar remained unfazed and said he has experience of handling such situations. He extended his best wished to all those who have crossed over to other parties and said such situations arise in politics sometimes. (With inputs from agencies)

Three Nationalist Congress Party cross over to BJP; Sharad Pawar says 'he can handle such situations'

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI.

NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-opposition-mlas-resign-from-maharashtra-assembly-239497">resignation letters</a> to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

Soon after the resignation of four MLAs, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year.

"Many people are excited to join BJP. There are more than 50 MLAs of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party who want to join BJP. But we also have some limitations. We cannot admit everyone," he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Kolambkar quit Congress on Monday and announced his decision to resign from the House forthwith.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October, 2019.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government was pressuring MLAs from Opposition camp to join BJP.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI.

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI. NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. Soon after the resignation of four MLAs, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year. "Many people are excited to join BJP. There are more than 50 MLAs of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party who want to join BJP. But we also have some limitations. We cannot admit everyone," he was quoted as saying. Kolambkar quit Congress on Monday and announced his decision to resign from the House forthwith. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October, 2019. NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government was pressuring MLAs from Opposition camp to join BJP.

Maharashtra: 1 Congress, 3 Nationalist Congress  MLAs to join BJP today

Ahir Joshi, Mumbai President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday crossed over to Shiv Sena.

Ahir joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son and Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray at "Matoshree'.

Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Ahir to the Shiv Sena, saying his presence will strengthen the party.&nbsp;I assure that Sachin Ahir will not regret his decision. He has joined the party with his family... Politics should be done like politics and we will not leave our principles. But yes we will not leave any stone unturned for expansion and strengthening of our party," he said

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Maharashtra: Mumbai NCP president Sachin Ahir, joins Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray. <a href="https://t.co/LWcP5SgUL5">pic.twitter.com/LWcP5SgUL5</a>
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Ahir said he was impressed with the developmental work done by Shiv Sena for the masses. I felt that it would be good to work should-to-shoulder with them," Ahir said.

Reacting to Ahir's cross over, NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik said NCP-Congress coalition will perform better than the BJP in the next elections.

Meanwhile, another NCP leader, Chhagan Bhujbal, dismissed the reports of joining Shiv Sena as baseless. I am going nowhere; I will be where I am. All other news is baseless and false," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Ahir Joshi, Mumbai President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday crossed over to Shiv Sena. Ahir joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son and Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray at "Matoshree'.

Ahir Joshi, Mumbai President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday crossed over to Shiv Sena. Ahir joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son and Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray at "Matoshree'. Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Ahir to the Shiv Sena, saying his presence will strengthen the party. I assure that Sachin Ahir will not regret his decision. He has joined the party with his family... Politics should be done like politics and we will not leave our principles. But yes we will not leave any stone unturned for expansion and strengthening of our party," he said Maharashtra: Mumbai NCP president Sachin Ahir, joins Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray. pic.twitter.com/LWcP5SgUL5 — ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2019 × Ahir said he was impressed with the developmental work done by Shiv Sena for the masses. I felt that it would be good to work should-to-shoulder with them," Ahir said. Reacting to Ahir's cross over, NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik said NCP-Congress coalition will perform better than the BJP in the next elections. Meanwhile, another NCP leader, Chhagan Bhujbal, dismissed the reports of joining Shiv Sena as baseless. I am going nowhere; I will be where I am. All other news is baseless and false," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

NCP Mumbai chief Ahir Joshi cross over to BJP

Former civil aviation minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel today requested for another date to depose before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering probe.

Praful Patel to not appear before ED today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rahul-gandhi-not-ready-to-withdraw-his-resignation-congress-leader-tarun-gogoi-222697">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a> on Thursday met NCP leader Sharad Pawar at the latter's residence and is learnt to have discussed the current political situation with him.

Gandhi, who has been insisting on resigning as Congress chief after the Lok Sabha polls debacle, drove to Pawar's residence and spent nearly an hour with him where it is learnt that the NCP chief also told him to continue as party chief.

Details of the meeting were not immediately available.

Pawar was in the Congress before he floated the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999. NCP is part of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Rahul Gandhi at his residence, where Sonia Gandhi was also present. Kumaraswamy urged Rahul Gandhi not to quit as party chief.

Meanwhile, party senior leader Ahmed Patel met Mallikarjun Kharge at the AICC headquarters and later met former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met NCP leader Sharad Pawar at the latter's residence and is learnt to have discussed the current political situation with him.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met NCP leader Sharad Pawar at the latter's residence and is learnt to have discussed the current political situation with him. Gandhi, who has been insisting on resigning as Congress chief after the Lok Sabha polls debacle, drove to Pawar's residence and spent nearly an hour with him where it is learnt that the NCP chief also told him to continue as party chief. Details of the meeting were not immediately available. Pawar was in the Congress before he floated the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999. NCP is part of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Rahul Gandhi at his residence, where Sonia Gandhi was also present. Kumaraswamy urged Rahul Gandhi not to quit as party chief. Meanwhile, party senior leader Ahmed Patel met Mallikarjun Kharge at the AICC headquarters and later met former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi meets NCP leader Sharad Pawar

Nearly a month after quitting the Nationalist Congress Party, Tariq Anwar Saturday joined the Congress after meeting its chief Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sources said.

Anwar along with his supporters met Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence and was welcomed into the party fold, the sources said.

The former MP from Katihar Lok Sabha constituency would make a formal announcement of his joining the Congress party later in the day, they said.

Anwar announced he was quitting the NCP and was also giving up his Lok Sabha membership on September 28 after Sharad Pawar's "defence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale fighter jet deal. Pawar was quoted in the media as having given a clean chit to Modi on the deal.

Pawar, however, had clarified he was misquoted in the reports and he had given no such clean chit to Modi.

A former president of Congress's Bihar unit, Anwar formed the NCP in the 1990s along with Pawar and the late P A Sangma, opposing Sonia Gandhi taking over as AICC president on grounds of her foreign origin.

The party thereafter allied with the Congress at the national level and also in Maharashtra.

Nearly a month after quitting the Nationalist Congress Party, Tariq Anwar Saturday joined the Congress after meeting its chief Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sources said.

Nearly a month after quitting the Nationalist Congress Party, Tariq Anwar Saturday joined the Congress after meeting its chief Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sources said. Anwar along with his supporters met Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence and was welcomed into the party fold, the sources said. The former MP from Katihar Lok Sabha constituency would make a formal announcement of his joining the Congress party later in the day, they said. Anwar announced he was quitting the NCP and was also giving up his Lok Sabha membership on September 28 after Sharad Pawar's "defence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale fighter jet deal. Pawar was quoted in the media as having given a clean chit to Modi on the deal. Pawar, however, had clarified he was misquoted in the reports and he had given no such clean chit to Modi. A former president of Congress's Bihar unit, Anwar formed the NCP in the 1990s along with Pawar and the late P A Sangma, opposing Sonia Gandhi taking over as AICC president on grounds of her foreign origin. The party thereafter allied with the Congress at the national level and also in Maharashtra.

Former NCP leader Tariq Anwar joins Congress

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said if the central government was "effective", there would not have been bribery charges at the highest level in the CBI, and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act over the matter.

He also attacked the BJP-led Centre over the Rafale jet deal and demanded a probe into it by a joint parliamentary committee.

Pawar was replying to queries during an interaction at the "Mumbai Manthan" conclave organised by television news channel Aaj Tak.

The feud between Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana turned murkier with the arrest of a deputy superintendent of police in the Special Investigation Team headed by Asthana over bribery charges.

Asked about the Modi government's performance, Pawar said people's expectations from the present dispensation were not fulfilled.

"What was promised in 2014 is not seen on the ground after four years. (Former prime minister) Manmohan Singh tried his best to give a good government, intentions were best. That is not the situation today.

"If the present government was effective, there would not have been bribery charges at the highest level in the CBI. Still the prime minister is silent. He should act," the former Union minister said.

Pawar said Modi was a strong leader for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but not the country.

"His ministerial team does not have the capacity to deliver. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is the most powerful. All decisions are taken there and the files are sent to the ministers to sign. The present government does only 'man ki baat' and does not listen to 'jan ki baat' (people's voice)," he added.

Firing a fresh salvo over the Rafale fighter jet deal, Pawar said the Centre should clarify why the price of one aircraft increased from Rs 570 crore to Rs 1,600 crore.

"There is room for suspicion. So there should be a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe. If the BJP stalled Parliament for three weeks for a JPC probe in (the) Bofors (case), why should the BJP, now in power, oppose a JPC," he asked.

Asked if he felt there was corruption in the Rafale deal as alleged by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Pawar said he had no information about it.

"I only know the aircraft is good. Rahul Gandhi may have more information than me about corruption," he said.

Led by the Congress, the opposition parties have been attacking the Modi government, alleging that it is procuring 36 Rafale jets from France at an exorbitantly high cost.

The government has denied the allegations of irregularities in the Rafale deal and industrialist Anil Ambani has also dismissed the Congress's charge that he got undue benefits under it.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said if the central government was "effective", there would not have been bribery charges at the highest level in the CBI, and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act over the matter.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said if the central government was "effective", there would not have been bribery charges at the highest level in the CBI, and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act over the matter. He also attacked the BJP-led Centre over the Rafale jet deal and demanded a probe into it by a joint parliamentary committee. Pawar was replying to queries during an interaction at the "Mumbai Manthan" conclave organised by television news channel Aaj Tak. The feud between Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana turned murkier with the arrest of a deputy superintendent of police in the Special Investigation Team headed by Asthana over bribery charges. Asked about the Modi government's performance, Pawar said people's expectations from the present dispensation were not fulfilled. "What was promised in 2014 is not seen on the ground after four years. (Former prime minister) Manmohan Singh tried his best to give a good government, intentions were best. That is not the situation today. "If the present government was effective, there would not have been bribery charges at the highest level in the CBI. Still the prime minister is silent. He should act," the former Union minister said. Pawar said Modi was a strong leader for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but not the country. "His ministerial team does not have the capacity to deliver. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is the most powerful. All decisions are taken there and the files are sent to the ministers to sign. The present government does only 'man ki baat' and does not listen to 'jan ki baat' (people's voice)," he added. Firing a fresh salvo over the Rafale fighter jet deal, Pawar said the Centre should clarify why the price of one aircraft increased from Rs 570 crore to Rs 1,600 crore. "There is room for suspicion. So there should be a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe. If the BJP stalled Parliament for three weeks for a JPC probe in (the) Bofors (case), why should the BJP, now in power, oppose a JPC," he asked. Asked if he felt there was corruption in the Rafale deal as alleged by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Pawar said he had no information about it. "I only know the aircraft is good. Rahul Gandhi may have more information than me about corruption," he said. Led by the Congress, the opposition parties have been attacking the Modi government, alleging that it is procuring 36 Rafale jets from France at an exorbitantly high cost. The government has denied the allegations of irregularities in the Rafale deal and industrialist Anil Ambani has also dismissed the Congress's charge that he got undue benefits under it.

Sharad Pawar hits out at PM Modi over CBI row

The Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday trivialised the assassination threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the letter was being used to garner people`s sympathy, reports news agency ANI.

He said, "They say there was a threatening letter. I spoke to a retired police officer, who had worked for CID. He said there is no substance in the letter. The letter is being used to garner people`s sympathy."

Claiming that the people arrested for inciting the Bhima -Koregaon violence were innocent, Pawar said, "When like-minded people came together to organise Elgar Parishad, they were called Naxals and arrested. Everyone knows who executed the Bhima-Koregaon violence, but those who have no link with it were arrested. This is a misuse of power."

For the uninitiated, the Pune police told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in Rajiv Gandhi-type incident.

"Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party... Comrade Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj," the letter read."We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident," it added.

In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party". The assassination plot`s revelation has generated reactions across the political spectrum.&nbsp;

Pune Police had told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the violence in Bhima-Koregaon, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in a Rajiv Gandhi-type incident

The Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday trivialised the assassination threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the letter was being used to garner people`s sympathy, reports news agency ANI. He said, "They say there was a threatening letter. I spoke to a retired police officer, who had worked for CID. He said there is no substance in the letter. The letter is being used to garner people`s sympathy." Claiming that the people arrested for inciting the Bhima -Koregaon violence were innocent, Pawar said, "When like-minded people came together to organise Elgar Parishad, they were called Naxals and arrested. Everyone knows who executed the Bhima-Koregaon violence, but those who have no link with it were arrested. This is a misuse of power." For the uninitiated, the Pune police told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in Rajiv Gandhi-type incident. "Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party... Comrade Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj," the letter read."We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident," it added. In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party". The assassination plot`s revelation has generated reactions across the political spectrum.

Modi assassination letter being used to garner public sympathy: Sharad Pawar

Drawing a parallel between present day's political environment and the one that existed during 1977, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said a united opposition, just like 40 years ago, can take on the might of a single party.

"In 1977, the downfall of one party started, and at one point, the government collapsed. A similar situation can be a possibility now if the opposition comes together," Sharad Pawar told media persons here.

The ruling Congress lost the general election in 1977, held just after the removal of nearly two-year-long Emergency.

Morarji Desai-led coalition won that election and remained in power until 1980.

The NCP supremo's comments came days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost bye-elections in Kairana and Noorpur seats in Uttar Pradesh.

The Lok Sabha Kairana seat was won by Rashtriya Lok Dal's candidate, Tabassum Hasan, supported by the joint opposition, while Noorpur assembly seat was taken away by the Samajwadi Party.

The opposition parties have already indicated its intention and displayed strength when the likes of Congress' Rahul Gandhi, SP's Akhilesh Yadav and Trinamool Congress' Mamata Banerjee among others came together for the swearing-in of Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy in Karnataka last month.&nbsp;

The NCP supremo's comments came days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost bye-elections in Kairana and Noorpur seats in Uttar Pradesh

Drawing a parallel between present day's political environment and the one that existed during 1977, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said a united opposition, just like 40 years ago, can take on the might of a single party. "In 1977, the downfall of one party started, and at one point, the government collapsed. A similar situation can be a possibility now if the opposition comes together," Sharad Pawar told media persons here. The ruling Congress lost the general election in 1977, held just after the removal of nearly two-year-long Emergency. Morarji Desai-led coalition won that election and remained in power until 1980. The NCP supremo's comments came days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost bye-elections in Kairana and Noorpur seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Lok Sabha Kairana seat was won by Rashtriya Lok Dal's candidate, Tabassum Hasan, supported by the joint opposition, while Noorpur assembly seat was taken away by the Samajwadi Party. The opposition parties have already indicated its intention and displayed strength when the likes of Congress' Rahul Gandhi, SP's Akhilesh Yadav and Trinamool Congress' Mamata Banerjee among others came together for the swearing-in of Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy in Karnataka last month.

Today's political environment similar to one in 1977: Sharad Pawar

NCP leader Sharad Pawar found himself stuck inside a room for some 30 minutes on Wednesday.

Pawar had called a press conference in Maharashtra's Satara district.&nbsp;

There were some 50 to 60 journalists attending.&nbsp;

After Pawar had finished speaking, he tried to leave and found the door would not open.&nbsp;

For half an hour, Pawar and the journalists tried to get the door open — but to no avail.

Finally, when all else had failed, the door's lock had to be broken.&nbsp;

Pawar had called a press conference in Maharashtra's Satara district. After he finished speaking to the reporters present, he found he couldn't get out of the room

NCP leader Sharad Pawar found himself stuck inside a room for some 30 minutes on Wednesday. Pawar had called a press conference in Maharashtra's Satara district. There were some 50 to 60 journalists attending. After Pawar had finished speaking, he tried to leave and found the door would not open. For half an hour, Pawar and the journalists tried to get the door open — but to no avail. Finally, when all else had failed, the door's lock had to be broken.

Watch: Sharad Pawar calls press conference, gets stuck in room

BJP leader Kiren Rijiju met UDP president Donkupar Roy at his residence today to discuss the formation of a non-Congress government in Meghalaya, under the leadership of the National People&#39;s Party (NPP), which secured the second position in the state assembly polls with 19 seats.

&quot;We are not a big player here. We have come to express our support to the regional parties to form a non-Congress government,&quot; Rijiju told said after coming out of Roy&#39;s residence here.

Meghalaya threw up a fractured mandate yesterday with the ruling Congress emerging as the largest party, marginally ahead of its rival, the NPP, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur.

The Congress bagged 21 seats in the 60-member Assembly, eight less than the last elections.

The BJP, which drew a blank in the last elections, got two seats. The United Democratic Party (UDP) won six seats while its alliance partner the HSPDP won two seats. The People&#39;s Democratic Front (PDF) bagged four seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and three Independents got one seat each.

UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said his party, too, has made it clear during the meeting that it favours a non-Congress government in the state. 
&quot;We will be discussing government formation with our alliance partners and members of the PDF and the KHNAM soon,&quot; he said.

Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma had also met the UDP president earlier in the day to discuss alliance possibilities, he said.

&quot;The UDP, which had led a regional alliance in 2008, still feels the pangs of betrayal by the Congress, which overthrew the coalition a year after to remain in power alone for a decade,&quot; Mawtoh said.

The memories of 2009 are still fresh and the UDP, this time, prefers to work with the non-Congress parties, he said.

&quot;Although we (UDP) are at an advantage point to bargain for seats, we will still follow democratic conventions,&quot; he added.

Polling for 59 seats of the 60-member Assembly in Meghalaya was held on February 27. A Nationalist Congress Party candidate was killed in an IED blast, which resulted in countermanding of the polls in one seat.&nbsp;

'We are not a big player here. We have come to express our support to the regional parties to form a non-Congress government,' Rijiju said

BJP leader Kiren Rijiju met UDP president Donkupar Roy at his residence today to discuss the formation of a non-Congress government in Meghalaya, under the leadership of the National People's Party (NPP), which secured the second position in the state assembly polls with 19 seats. "We are not a big player here. We have come to express our support to the regional parties to form a non-Congress government," Rijiju told said after coming out of Roy's residence here. Meghalaya threw up a fractured mandate yesterday with the ruling Congress emerging as the largest party, marginally ahead of its rival, the NPP, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur. The Congress bagged 21 seats in the 60-member Assembly, eight less than the last elections. The BJP, which drew a blank in the last elections, got two seats. The United Democratic Party (UDP) won six seats while its alliance partner the HSPDP won two seats. The People's Democratic Front (PDF) bagged four seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and three Independents got one seat each. UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said his party, too, has made it clear during the meeting that it favours a non-Congress government in the state. "We will be discussing government formation with our alliance partners and members of the PDF and the KHNAM soon," he said. Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma had also met the UDP president earlier in the day to discuss alliance possibilities, he said. "The UDP, which had led a regional alliance in 2008, still feels the pangs of betrayal by the Congress, which overthrew the coalition a year after to remain in power alone for a decade," Mawtoh said. The memories of 2009 are still fresh and the UDP, this time, prefers to work with the non-Congress parties, he said. "Although we (UDP) are at an advantage point to bargain for seats, we will still follow democratic conventions," he added. Polling for 59 seats of the 60-member Assembly in Meghalaya was held on February 27. A Nationalist Congress Party candidate was killed in an IED blast, which resulted in countermanding of the polls in one seat.

Rijiju meets UDP chief to discuss government formation in Meghalaya

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday attacked Maharashtra&#39;s ruling government over the agrarian crisis in the state, urging farmers not to pay electricity and other dues until the government deposits loan waiver money into their bank accounts.&nbsp;

After a state-wide agitation by farmers, the Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on July 9, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that around 36 lakh farmers in the state will have their entire debts waived.&nbsp;

Pawar, who was speaking at a rally organised together by the Congress and NCP on his 77th birthday, warned chief minister&nbsp;Fadnavis to restrict himself from blackmailing the opposition leaders.

&quot;The Maharashtra chief minister uses the language of blackmailing the opposition. We respect the mandate of the people who chose you to govern,&quot; asserted Pawar.

The former Union agricultural minister further cautioned the CM saying the people who gave him the mandate can also oust him from power if he continued to use the blackmailing language.&nbsp;

Pawar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for &#39;deliberately&#39; misconstruing a meeting at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 6 and presenting it as a conspiracy by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls.

The Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday attacked Maharashtra's ruling government over the agrarian crisis in the state, urging farmers not to pay electricity and other dues until the government deposits loan waiver money into their bank accounts. After a state-wide agitation by farmers, the Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24. Meanwhile, on July 9, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that around 36 lakh farmers in the state will have their entire debts waived. Pawar, who was speaking at a rally organised together by the Congress and NCP on his 77th birthday, warned chief minister Fadnavis to restrict himself from blackmailing the opposition leaders. "The Maharashtra chief minister uses the language of blackmailing the opposition. We respect the mandate of the people who chose you to govern," asserted Pawar. The former Union agricultural minister further cautioned the CM saying the people who gave him the mandate can also oust him from power if he continued to use the blackmailing language. Pawar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'deliberately' misconstruing a meeting at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 6 and presenting it as a conspiracy by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls.

Don't pay electricity, other dues till government gives loan waiver money: Sharad Pawar to farmers