The twists and turns in west Indian state Maharashtra's politics over the last four to five years has not been short of any movie plot. The political drama reached its zenith when the National Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister for the fifth time on Sunday (July 2).&nbsp;

This power scuffle has been going on in the state for the last three years. The last time Maharashtra politics took a steep turn was in November 2019, when Ajit’s underhand partnership with the BJP lasted a few days. On 23 November 2019, Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister with BJP, without NCP’s nod. He submitted papers with the signatures of NCP MLAs to the Governor of the State. He was on the post for less than 80 hours.

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But this time, Pawar went full throttle against party lines with the support of over 40 of the NCP’s 53 MLAs. He chose to split the party even as his uncle and NCP leader Sharad Pawar was busy getting all opposition parties together to take on the BJP.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Triple engine’ Government?</h2>

Welcoming Ajit Pawar into the fold, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Now we have 1 chief minister and 2 deputy chief ministers. The double-engine government has now become triple engine. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar's experience will help."

Shinde recently completed one year in office. He said that the parties in the government were united on the platform of state development. “Ajit Dada supported our development goals. During the previous Lok Sabha elections, NCP secured four-five seats, but it appears that they won’t get a single seat in the coming elections,” he remarked.

<h2>Ajit Pawar and the 'Brutus' moment in Maharashtra's NCP</h2>

Ajit Pawar, an influential leader in the NCP, is the nephew of the party’s supremo Sharad Pawar. He joined politics in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory. He was then elected as a chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank (PDC) in 1991 and remained in the post for 16 years. During this period, he was also elected as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from the Baramati constituency.&nbsp;

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Later on, Pawar vacated his Lok Sabha seat in favour of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, who had then become the defence minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government. Later, he was elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baramati Assembly Constituency.

Pawar became the deputy CM in November 2010 for the first time after thwarting his uncle’s plan to give the position to the party’s senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal again. In a surprise move, he resigned in September 2012, following allegations against him in an irrigation scam, but came back within three months after obtaining a “clean chit” for himself from the then Congress-NCP government.&nbsp;

Despite being in several controversies, the seven-time MLA is popular among legislators. He is considered an expert in electoral management and has groomed many MLAs and even helped them to get elected. Even after the debut of Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule into politics, he was regarded as number two in the party.&nbsp;

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Pawar’s intention of taking over the party was no secret. It came out into the open when he tried to silence leaders and workers who were persuading Sharad Pawar to take back his resignation as party chief on May 2.&nbsp;

<h2>Ajit Pawar and MVA</h2>

In December 2019, it was announced that Ajit Pawar would take over as deputy CM for the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) administration after the commencement of the winter session of the state legislature on December 16. But in 2022, due to Maharashtra’s political crisis, the Maha Vikas Agadi government collapsed due to an internal revolt in Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

After the rebellion, the Shiv Sena group and BJP formed the government with Eknath Shinde as the CM and Pawar became the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.&nbsp;

<h2>Ajit Pawar’s rebellion will change political course of the state</h2>

Pawar’s recent move will change the political course of the NCP-Congress, leaving the equation between the two parties dwindling in the stronghold of western Maharashtra. Pawar has a good following there and knows the powerful cooperation sector.&nbsp;

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The BJP is desperate to make inroads into the sector, and with Ajit on board, it will be easier for it to vie for the 11 Lok Sabha and over 60 assembly seats in western Maharashtra. Even Supriya Sule’s Lok Sabha seat could be in danger, as Ajit has been handling affairs in Baramati.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
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The twists and turns in west Indian state Maharashtra's politics over the last four to five years has not been short of any movie plot. The political drama reached its zenith when the National Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister for the fifth time on Sunday (July 2).

The twists and turns in west Indian state Maharashtra's politics over the last four to five years has not been short of any movie plot. The political drama reached its zenith when the National Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister for the fifth time on Sunday (July 2). This power scuffle has been going on in the state for the last three years. The last time Maharashtra politics took a steep turn was in November 2019, when Ajit’s underhand partnership with the BJP lasted a few days. On 23 November 2019, Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister with BJP, without NCP’s nod. He submitted papers with the signatures of NCP MLAs to the Governor of the State. He was on the post for less than 80 hours. Also Read | Lost for a century: Blind Indian painter's scroll resurfaces after 100 years But this time, Pawar went full throttle against party lines with the support of over 40 of the NCP’s 53 MLAs. He chose to split the party even as his uncle and NCP leader Sharad Pawar was busy getting all opposition parties together to take on the BJP. ‘Triple engine’ Government? Welcoming Ajit Pawar into the fold, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Now we have 1 chief minister and 2 deputy chief ministers. The double-engine government has now become triple engine. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar's experience will help." Shinde recently completed one year in office. He said that the parties in the government were united on the platform of state development. “Ajit Dada supported our development goals. During the previous Lok Sabha elections, NCP secured four-five seats, but it appears that they won’t get a single seat in the coming elections,” he remarked. Ajit Pawar and the 'Brutus' moment in Maharashtra's NCP Ajit Pawar, an influential leader in the NCP, is the nephew of the party’s supremo Sharad Pawar. He joined politics in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory. He was then elected as a chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank (PDC) in 1991 and remained in the post for 16 years. During this period, he was also elected as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from the Baramati constituency. Also Read | Drone hovers over Indian PM Modi's residence in New Delhi, probe underway Later on, Pawar vacated his Lok Sabha seat in favour of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, who had then become the defence minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government. Later, he was elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baramati Assembly Constituency. Pawar became the deputy CM in November 2010 for the first time after thwarting his uncle’s plan to give the position to the party’s senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal again. In a surprise move, he resigned in September 2012, following allegations against him in an irrigation scam, but came back within three months after obtaining a “clean chit” for himself from the then Congress-NCP government. Despite being in several controversies, the seven-time MLA is popular among legislators. He is considered an expert in electoral management and has groomed many MLAs and even helped them to get elected. Even after the debut of Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule into politics, he was regarded as number two in the party. Also Read | More lifting-power for Indian rockets, ISRO test fires India's most powerful rocket engine Pawar’s intention of taking over the party was no secret. It came out into the open when he tried to silence leaders and workers who were persuading Sharad Pawar to take back his resignation as party chief on May 2. Ajit Pawar and MVA In December 2019, it was announced that Ajit Pawar would take over as deputy CM for the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) administration after the commencement of the winter session of the state legislature on December 16. But in 2022, due to Maharashtra’s political crisis, the Maha Vikas Agadi government collapsed due to an internal revolt in Shiv Sena. After the rebellion, the Shiv Sena group and BJP formed the government with Eknath Shinde as the CM and Pawar became the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Ajit Pawar’s rebellion will change political course of the state Pawar’s recent move will change the political course of the NCP-Congress, leaving the equation between the two parties dwindling in the stronghold of western Maharashtra. Pawar has a good following there and knows the powerful cooperation sector. Also Read | India: At least three ‘village volunteers’ killed, five others injured after violence in Manipur The BJP is desperate to make inroads into the sector, and with Ajit on board, it will be easier for it to vie for the 11 Lok Sabha and over 60 assembly seats in western Maharashtra. Even Supriya Sule’s Lok Sabha seat could be in danger, as Ajit has been handling affairs in Baramati. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Ajit Pawar: Political player who split NCP to become deputy CM of Maharashtra for fifth time

The political shift in the Indian state of Maharashtra has seen a dramatic twist with a top leader from the state's opposition party. The NCP became a part of the ruling Coalition led by the BJP along with other legislators. The move by the National Congress parties leader Ajit Pawar has now raised questions not only on the future of this party but also on the health of India's opposition as they prepare for next year's elections.

What's next for NCP and Ajit Pawar?

In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.&nbsp;

Pawar, along with dozens of other party leaders, joined the state government earlier today, and will now share the post along with incumbent Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. However, after he was sworn in, Ajit Pawar clarified that he had not left NCP and joined the state government as the Nationalist Congress Party.

<h2>What happened on Sunday?</h2>

Earlier, on Sunday, Ajit Pawar, the leader of the opposition in Maharashtra, called an urgent meeting of the NCP MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) amid reported rumours of him being unhappy that he was not chosen as the party’s state unit chief. Reportedly, he had also offered to resign as the opposition leader to take up the post.&nbsp;

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Hours later it was announced that NCP leader and Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as the deputy CM of Maharashtra. At least 30 other MLAs&nbsp;have joined Ajit Pawar out of which around eight ministers – Chaggan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Dharmobaba Atram, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Bansode, and Anil Patil – were also sworn in.&nbsp;

The Indian state has witnessed a fourth oath-taking ceremony in less than three years amid political turmoil. Additionally, this is the 5th time that Ajit Pawar has been sworn in as the deputy CM, the most number of times a politician has been appointed for the post since it was first created in 1978.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Triple engine’ government of Maharashtra: Shinde</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and&nbsp;Shiv Sena welcomed Pawar with open arms. “Ajit Pawar always followed developmental politics,” said the incumbent Maharashtra CM Shinde.&nbsp;

He added, “Now we have one Chief Minister and two deputy Chief Ministers…I welcome him in the government and now the double engine government will become triple engine government. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar’s experience will help strengthen Maharashtra.” &nbsp;

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Shinde&nbsp;had once led a similar move against his party Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction is now known as Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), when he left with dozens of ministers and joined hands with BJP.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Joined government as NCP’: Ajit Pawar</h2>

Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly inducted Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Talks have been ongoing for quite some time, and there will be a cabinet expansion. We need to prioritise the development of Maharashtra. We made the decision to join the Shinde-Fadanvis government with almost all NCP MLAs.”&nbsp;

He also said the expansion of Maharashtra’s cabinet begins today and more ministers will be inducted soon. “Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later.”&nbsp;

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Ajit Pawar also said if NCP can join hands with the BJP in Nagaland, why can’t they do the same for Maharashtra and its people? “Some MLAs could not be contacted as they are out of the country, but I spoke to all of them and they agreed with our decision,” said Ajit Pawar.&nbsp;

The newly appointed deputy CM also went on to praise the Indian PM and said, “The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership.”&nbsp;

He added, “We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP) and that is why we have taken this decision.” However, Pawar also went on to clarify that “We have joined the government as the Nationalist Congress party and will fight any and every election in the name of the NCP.”&nbsp;

Similarly, state minister Chhagan Bhujabal said, “We have joined the government as its third party. A few people are saying that we have split the party but that is not correct. We have come here as NCP.”&nbsp;

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<h2>What about Sharad Pawar’s next move?</h2>

NCP leader, Sharad Pawar, who was in the city of Pune, Maharashtra when Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in Mumbai, spoke about how he is “happy” that some of his colleagues have decided to join the NDA government.

He added that there was supposed to be a meeting on July 6 to discuss important issues&nbsp;and some changes that were to be made within the party, but some people in the party have decided to take a “different stand”.&nbsp;

Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s move, the NCP chief said, “This is not a new thing. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies.”&nbsp;

He also said that he received calls from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others but “I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan (former Maharashtra CM) and will hold a public meeting.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncp-chief-sharad-pawar-names-praful-patel-daughter-supriya-sule-as-partys-working-presidents-602895">India: NCP chief Sharad Pawar names Praful Patel, daughter Supriya Sule as party's working presidents</a> 
 
About the position of the&nbsp;leader of the opposition, the NCP chief said he would sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to "assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again."

He added, "MLAs and all senior leaders will sit together to decide about any action against the rebel leaders." Pawar also said action will be taken against Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who “did not follow their responsibilities.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.

In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state. Pawar, along with dozens of other party leaders, joined the state government earlier today, and will now share the post along with incumbent Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. However, after he was sworn in, Ajit Pawar clarified that he had not left NCP and joined the state government as the Nationalist Congress Party. What happened on Sunday? Earlier, on Sunday, Ajit Pawar, the leader of the opposition in Maharashtra, called an urgent meeting of the NCP MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) amid reported rumours of him being unhappy that he was not chosen as the party’s state unit chief. Reportedly, he had also offered to resign as the opposition leader to take up the post. ALSO READ | Maharashtra crisis: Another MLA joins Eknath Shinde's rebel camp Hours later it was announced that NCP leader and Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as the deputy CM of Maharashtra. At least 30 other MLAs have joined Ajit Pawar out of which around eight ministers – Chaggan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Dharmobaba Atram, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Bansode, and Anil Patil – were also sworn in. The Indian state has witnessed a fourth oath-taking ceremony in less than three years amid political turmoil. Additionally, this is the 5th time that Ajit Pawar has been sworn in as the deputy CM, the most number of times a politician has been appointed for the post since it was first created in 1978. ‘Triple engine’ government of Maharashtra: Shinde Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena welcomed Pawar with open arms. “Ajit Pawar always followed developmental politics,” said the incumbent Maharashtra CM Shinde. He added, “Now we have one Chief Minister and two deputy Chief Ministers…I welcome him in the government and now the double engine government will become triple engine government. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar’s experience will help strengthen Maharashtra.” ALSO READ | India: Ex-auto driver to Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde is man of moment Shinde had once led a similar move against his party Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction is now known as Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), when he left with dozens of ministers and joined hands with BJP. ‘Joined government as NCP’: Ajit Pawar Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly inducted Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Talks have been ongoing for quite some time, and there will be a cabinet expansion. We need to prioritise the development of Maharashtra. We made the decision to join the Shinde-Fadanvis government with almost all NCP MLAs.” He also said the expansion of Maharashtra’s cabinet begins today and more ministers will be inducted soon. “Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later.” ALSO READ | Big blow to Uddhav Thackeray: Eknath Shinde faction is real 'Shiv Sena', rules election commission Ajit Pawar also said if NCP can join hands with the BJP in Nagaland, why can’t they do the same for Maharashtra and its people? “Some MLAs could not be contacted as they are out of the country, but I spoke to all of them and they agreed with our decision,” said Ajit Pawar. The newly appointed deputy CM also went on to praise the Indian PM and said, “The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership.” He added, “We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP) and that is why we have taken this decision.” However, Pawar also went on to clarify that “We have joined the government as the Nationalist Congress party and will fight any and every election in the name of the NCP.” Similarly, state minister Chhagan Bhujabal said, “We have joined the government as its third party. A few people are saying that we have split the party but that is not correct. We have come here as NCP.” ALSO READ | What is happening in Maharashtra, India's richest state that's in political crisis? What about Sharad Pawar’s next move? NCP leader, Sharad Pawar, who was in the city of Pune, Maharashtra when Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in Mumbai, spoke about how he is “happy” that some of his colleagues have decided to join the NDA government. He added that there was supposed to be a meeting on July 6 to discuss important issues and some changes that were to be made within the party, but some people in the party have decided to take a “different stand”. Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s move, the NCP chief said, “This is not a new thing. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies.” He also said that he received calls from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others but “I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan (former Maharashtra CM) and will hold a public meeting.” ALSO READ | India: NCP chief Sharad Pawar names Praful Patel, daughter Supriya Sule as party's working presidents About the position of the leader of the opposition, the NCP chief said he would sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to "assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again." He added, "MLAs and all senior leaders will sit together to decide about any action against the rebel leaders." Pawar also said action will be taken against Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who “did not follow their responsibilities.” (With inputs from agencies) 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: NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government, takes oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, who dropped a resignation bombshell on May 2, said he has reversed his decision to quit as party supremo.

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar takes U-turn on his resignation

NCP chief Sharad Pawar has declared his resignation. Pawar announced his resignation during the publication of his autobiography, "Lok Majhe Sangaayi - Political Autobiography," saying, "I have decided to step down as president of NCP." Pawar informed party members that a committee has been established to select a leader to lead the party moving forward.

Sharad Pawar announces his resignation, NCP workers protests outside office

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

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties.&nbsp;

Passing a verdict on legitimacy of Nepal Communist Party challenged by veteran Communist leader Rishiram Kattel in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the original Nepal Communist Party or NCP is headed by Kattel and not Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or the faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal or 'Prachanda'. The Supreme Court decided to award the Nepal Communist Party leadership to Kattel.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court's decision has pushed Nepal’s ruling party into a state of confusion and disarray.&nbsp;

Quashing the Election Commission’s decision to award the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leadership to Oli and Dahal, the top court has said the then CPN-UML and then CPN (Maoist Centre) would return to the pre-merger stage and if they were to merge, they should apply to the Election Commission as per the Political Parties Act. Oli's CPN-UML and Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) had announced their merger in May 2018.&nbsp;

"The Supreme Court's ruling came beyond our expectations," Prachanda said, adding that "we cannot comment on it without going through the detailed text of the verdict." The Prachanda-led faction also held an emergency meeting after the verdict.&nbsp;

But the Oli faction is happy with the verdict. Oli's CPN-UML was the largest party in 2017 election. Later it merged with Prachanda-led CPN (Maoist Centre) and formed the Nepal Communist Party in 2018 and became the largest party in the Parliament with almost two-third seats.&nbsp;

"We respect the verdict, we believe in the independence of the judiciary," party secretary general and Finance Minister, Bishnu Poudel said.&nbsp;

Both Oli and Prachanda factions are functioning as two parties though they have not technically split after Prime Minister Oli dissolved the House on December 20 and declared snap polls. Oli's decision has created a furor and opposition inside the ruling party.&nbsp;

The Prachanda-led faction has already claimed legitimacy with the Elections Commission saying it has a majority of the central committee members. But the Election Commission could not take a decision on the party split because Oli is also claiming the same.&nbsp;

Kattel had challenged the Election Commission's decision to register Nepal Communist Party (NCP) under Oli and Dahal in May 2018.&nbsp;

The bench has said that the new party cannot be registered with the Election Commission when it already has a party registered with a similar name.&nbsp;

The decision came just hours before the scheduled meeting of the House of Representatives where the two factions of the Nepal Communist Party are battling to show their majority.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties.

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties. Passing a verdict on legitimacy of Nepal Communist Party challenged by veteran Communist leader Rishiram Kattel in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the original Nepal Communist Party or NCP is headed by Kattel and not Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or the faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal or 'Prachanda'. The Supreme Court decided to award the Nepal Communist Party leadership to Kattel. The Supreme Court's decision has pushed Nepal’s ruling party into a state of confusion and disarray. Quashing the Election Commission’s decision to award the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leadership to Oli and Dahal, the top court has said the then CPN-UML and then CPN (Maoist Centre) would return to the pre-merger stage and if they were to merge, they should apply to the Election Commission as per the Political Parties Act. Oli's CPN-UML and Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) had announced their merger in May 2018. "The Supreme Court's ruling came beyond our expectations," Prachanda said, adding that "we cannot comment on it without going through the detailed text of the verdict." The Prachanda-led faction also held an emergency meeting after the verdict. But the Oli faction is happy with the verdict. Oli's CPN-UML was the largest party in 2017 election. Later it merged with Prachanda-led CPN (Maoist Centre) and formed the Nepal Communist Party in 2018 and became the largest party in the Parliament with almost two-third seats. "We respect the verdict, we believe in the independence of the judiciary," party secretary general and Finance Minister, Bishnu Poudel said. Both Oli and Prachanda factions are functioning as two parties though they have not technically split after Prime Minister Oli dissolved the House on December 20 and declared snap polls. Oli's decision has created a furor and opposition inside the ruling party. The Prachanda-led faction has already claimed legitimacy with the Elections Commission saying it has a majority of the central committee members. But the Election Commission could not take a decision on the party split because Oli is also claiming the same. Kattel had challenged the Election Commission's decision to register Nepal Communist Party (NCP) under Oli and Dahal in May 2018. The bench has said that the new party cannot be registered with the Election Commission when it already has a party registered with a similar name. The decision came just hours before the scheduled meeting of the House of Representatives where the two factions of the Nepal Communist Party are battling to show their majority. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal’s Supreme Court annuls unification of NCP factions

Nepal's Election Commission has refused to recognise any of the two factions of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) as the official party, saying both failed to adopt due procedures to gain the legitimate status.

The election commission in its decision on Sunday stated that since both the groups — one led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" and other by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli — failed to adopt due procedures, they would not gain any recognition.

With the latest decision of the election commission, Oli and Prachanda remain the chairpersons despite a vertical split in the party.

The Prachanda-led faction had earlier removed Oli from the post of Chairman and picked Madhav Kumar Nepal in his place. The faction on Sunday decided to strip Oli of even the party's general membership.

The Prachanda-led faction claimed that they should be recognised as the official NCP as they command the majority in the party's Secretariat, Standing Committee, and Central Committee.

EC officials said it is difficult to bring any amendments, changes, or reshuffle in the record as demanded by both the factions of the NCP as per the party's statute.

The ruling NCP saw a vertical split across the party's committees after Prime Minister Oli decided to dissolve the House of Representatives and announced midterm elections for April 30 and May 10.

Both Oli and Prachanda factions have been holding mass gatherings and other party activities to show their strength.&nbsp;

Nepal's Election Commission has refused to recognise any of the two factions of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) as the official party, saying both failed to adopt due procedures to gain the legitimate status.

Nepal's Election Commission has refused to recognise any of the two factions of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) as the official party, saying both failed to adopt due procedures to gain the legitimate status. The election commission in its decision on Sunday stated that since both the groups — one led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" and other by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli — failed to adopt due procedures, they would not gain any recognition. With the latest decision of the election commission, Oli and Prachanda remain the chairpersons despite a vertical split in the party. The Prachanda-led faction had earlier removed Oli from the post of Chairman and picked Madhav Kumar Nepal in his place. The faction on Sunday decided to strip Oli of even the party's general membership. The Prachanda-led faction claimed that they should be recognised as the official NCP as they command the majority in the party's Secretariat, Standing Committee, and Central Committee. EC officials said it is difficult to bring any amendments, changes, or reshuffle in the record as demanded by both the factions of the NCP as per the party's statute. The ruling NCP saw a vertical split across the party's committees after Prime Minister Oli decided to dissolve the House of Representatives and announced midterm elections for April 30 and May 10. Both Oli and Prachanda factions have been holding mass gatherings and other party activities to show their strength.

Nepal EC refuses to recognise either faction of ruling NCP as official party

Former Prime Minister of Nepal Prachanda accused present PM KP Sharma Oli of murdering democracy in the country.

WION Dispatch: Prachanda accused Oli of murdering democracy in Nepal

According to reports, Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as differences in the ruling Nepal Communist Party is said to be widening. The duo held talks for around two hours as they looked to unify the party in power and iron out the internal issues.

WION Dispatch: Sources: Chinese Envoy-Nepal PM Oli meet went on for 2hrs

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis.

According to an article by Roland Jacquard, the author explains China's policy of corrupting the political class of a country, especially those who are not economically strong. He also details how the foreign policy of Nepal, the latest entrant to fall victim to China's strategic expansionism, has veered towards pushing the interests of Beijing.

In January last year, the day when China condemned United States' move to slap economic sanctions on Venezuela, the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) also issued a similar statement denouncing Washington and its allies for intervening in Venezuela's internal matters. This was probably the first time Kathmandu had taken a stand pertaining to US policies in Latin America.

Another worrying and trend noticed in Nepal is the deteriorating human rights condition of Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal. The Himalayan nation shares a long border with Tibet and is home to over 20,000 Tibetan exiles, many of whom coming into the country after the Dalai Lama took refuge in India in 1959.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-occupying-land-in-seven-border-districts-says-nepal-survey-department-322503">Also read:&nbsp;China occupying land in seven border districts, says Nepal survey department</a>

According to a recent report submitted to the United Nations (UN), two human rights groups — Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights — have noted that the new arrivals of Tibetans to Nepal often face threats of being deported to China.

With the growing links between the Nepal government and China, Tibetan refugees are barred from holding elections to elect members of their refugee associations or celebrate the Dalai Lama`s birthday, Jacquard writes in the article.

Attempts to protest against Chinese persecution are met with a heavy-handed response by Nepali authorities, says the writer.

To ensure that the top establishment of Nepal carries out China`s bidding, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has been steadily building a network of loyalists, and doles are given out to them, many times on the pretext of legitimate jobs undertaken for the embassy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-to-resume-international-flights-from-september-1-to-bring-back-stranded-nationals-322440">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal to resume international flights from September 1 to bring back stranded nationals</a>

For instance, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu awarded a contract of 1.5 million Nepali rupees to Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the NCP and who is currently Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli`s Foreign Affairs Advisor, for a research paper on Nepal-India relations. When the initiative started in October 2017, Bhattarai was a member of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations and the Chairman of the Nepal Institute for Policy Studies.

According to the contract, Bhattarai`s wife Geeta Gautam while he would oversee the project. The payment for the duty was sent to Bhattarai`s account in Nabil Bank.

"The contract was what the Chinese would call `a win-win`, as it not only found a way to engage a senior NCP functionary in a financial transaction, it also came with an added understanding of Nepal`s policies towards India," the writer states.

Bhattarai was appointed as Foreign Affairs Advisor to Oli in November 2018. While it is not clear whether China played a role in his appointment, what is interesting to note that despite his position in the Prime Minister`s Office, Bhattarai continued to keep contact with Li Yingqiu, a Chinese diplomat posted in the Nepali capital.

"With Nepal`s Prime Minister`s Office, including its senior advisors, known to have established a transactional relationship with China, it raises serious doubts about the autonomy of the government and its ability to take independent decisions," Jacquard says in the article.

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis.

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis. According to an article by Roland Jacquard, the author explains China's policy of corrupting the political class of a country, especially those who are not economically strong. He also details how the foreign policy of Nepal, the latest entrant to fall victim to China's strategic expansionism, has veered towards pushing the interests of Beijing. In January last year, the day when China condemned United States' move to slap economic sanctions on Venezuela, the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) also issued a similar statement denouncing Washington and its allies for intervening in Venezuela's internal matters. This was probably the first time Kathmandu had taken a stand pertaining to US policies in Latin America. Another worrying and trend noticed in Nepal is the deteriorating human rights condition of Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal. The Himalayan nation shares a long border with Tibet and is home to over 20,000 Tibetan exiles, many of whom coming into the country after the Dalai Lama took refuge in India in 1959. Also read: China occupying land in seven border districts, says Nepal survey department According to a recent report submitted to the United Nations (UN), two human rights groups — Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights — have noted that the new arrivals of Tibetans to Nepal often face threats of being deported to China. With the growing links between the Nepal government and China, Tibetan refugees are barred from holding elections to elect members of their refugee associations or celebrate the Dalai Lama`s birthday, Jacquard writes in the article. Attempts to protest against Chinese persecution are met with a heavy-handed response by Nepali authorities, says the writer. To ensure that the top establishment of Nepal carries out China`s bidding, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has been steadily building a network of loyalists, and doles are given out to them, many times on the pretext of legitimate jobs undertaken for the embassy. Also read: Nepal to resume international flights from September 1 to bring back stranded nationals For instance, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu awarded a contract of 1.5 million Nepali rupees to Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the NCP and who is currently Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli`s Foreign Affairs Advisor, for a research paper on Nepal-India relations. When the initiative started in October 2017, Bhattarai was a member of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations and the Chairman of the Nepal Institute for Policy Studies. According to the contract, Bhattarai`s wife Geeta Gautam while he would oversee the project. The payment for the duty was sent to Bhattarai`s account in Nabil Bank. "The contract was what the Chinese would call `a win-win`, as it not only found a way to engage a senior NCP functionary in a financial transaction, it also came with an added understanding of Nepal`s policies towards India," the writer states. Bhattarai was appointed as Foreign Affairs Advisor to Oli in November 2018. While it is not clear whether China played a role in his appointment, what is interesting to note that despite his position in the Prime Minister`s Office, Bhattarai continued to keep contact with Li Yingqiu, a Chinese diplomat posted in the Nepali capital. "With Nepal`s Prime Minister`s Office, including its senior advisors, known to have established a transactional relationship with China, it raises serious doubts about the autonomy of the government and its ability to take independent decisions," Jacquard says in the article.

Nepal govt's links with China affecting its autonomy, ability to take independent decisions: Report

A significant meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party will decide the political future of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The meeting was once again delayed on Wednesday till Friday to allow more time for the top leaders to reach a power-sharing deal amid the heightened intra-party rift and his anti-India remarks.

Nepal’s ruling communist party’s meet to decide PM Oli's future

The Nepal Communist Party standing committee meeting which was scheduled to take place today has been postponed again. The talks were postponed after PM KP Sharma Oli refused to attend the meeting. Watch report.

Nepal's Communist party meet delayed as PM Oli refused to attend meet

Amid the political turmoil in Nepal, the ruling communist party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said on Sunday that he will not allow the party to split and any attempt from anywhere to weaken its unity would hurt the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters.

Addressing the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) members in his hometown Chitwan, Prachanda said that he was determined to keep the party unity intact.

"It is natural to have differences of opinion, dispute and debate in a big party, but I will not allow the party to split," he said.

"If there is a dispute within the party, there are proper procedures to resolve it."

His remarks came amid speculation that the NCP could split after top party leaders, including 'Prachanda', demanded Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate."

Prachanda also advised the party cadres to abide by the party principles and not to run from one camp to another at the time of the crisis.

"Don't describe some leaders within the ruling party as anti-national and others as a nationalist," he said, in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Oli's recent statement that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories.

The party and the government worked together to issue the new map, he pointed out.

Earlier in the day, addressing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee in Chitwan, Prachanda said that the political activities should not affect the government's response to the coronavirus crisis and natural disasters.

"Any attempt from anywhere else to weaken the party unity would not be in favour of the people," Prachanda was quoted as saying by Rising Nepal.

He urged the entire political parties, civil society, media and one and all to engage in a combined battle against the COVID-19 crisis and natural disasters.

Oli and Prachanda have held over half a dozen one-on-one meetings in recent days, but the two leaders are nowhere close to a power-sharing deal.

Meanwhile, the ruling party is divided on one-on-one talks between Oli and Prachanda, with a senior party leader saying that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest.

The meeting of the NCP's 45-member powerful Standing Committee to decide Oli's fate was scheduled to be held on Friday.

But it was postponed for a week at the last moment, citing floods and landslides that killed at least 22 people.

NCP leader Asta Laxmi Shakya said it was okay for the party to postpone the crucial meeting for a week, keeping in mind the risk of extreme weather, but Oli should be ready to settle these issues after seven days.

She said that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest and it means that differences will keep cropping up, impacting the party, The Himalayan Times reported.

Shakya said that one-on-one meeting between Oli and Prachanda would not help resolve the crisis.

"If the PM does not feel comfortable discussing some issues in front of all the members of the Standing Committee, then he could discuss these issues with the rival faction, with both factions including three to four key leaders or they can discuss the issues in the party Secretariat.

"But the two co-chairs should not discuss issues themselves," she argued.

Shakya said that Prime Minister Oli should have used his address to the nation on Friday night to calm down the youths protesting in his support and say that the party would not split, but he did not mention any of these things.

NCP Standing Committee member Beduram Bhusal said that Oli mixed politics in his message meant to inform the public about the government's efforts to deal with natural disasters and COVID-19.

Bhusal said that the only option for resolving the internal rift was to discuss all issues in the Standing Committee and follow the body's decision.

Another Standing Committee member Mani Thapa, however, said that Oli's statement that internal differences could be resolved through dialogue was a sign that differences between him and Prachanda were narrowing down.

Thapa said that he and some other second-rung leaders have advised Prachanda to focus on a one-on-one meeting with Oli as they were both signatories to the unity deal signed between the former CPN- UML and UCPN-Maoist Centre.

According to Thapa, Prachanda was initially hesitant to hold a one-on-one meeting with Oli because he thought that could antagonise his faction leaders, particularly former prime ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jahala Nath Khanal, but he finally agreed when some second-rung leaders convinced him.

Under mounting pressure to resign, Prime Minister Oli has downplayed the intra-party rift and said such disputes are "regular phenomena" that can be resolved through dialogue.

The differences between the two factions of the NCP, one led by 68-year-old Oli and the other led by Prachanda on the issue of power-sharing, intensified after the prime minister unilaterally decided to prorogue the budget session of Parliament.

The political future of Oli is now expected to be decided on July 17 during the Standing Committee meeting, amidst the growing involvement of Chinese envoy Hou Yanqui to save his chair.

Amid the political turmoil in Nepal, the ruling communist party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said on Sunday that he will not allow the party to split and any attempt from anywhere to weaken its unity would hurt the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters.

Amid the political turmoil in Nepal, the ruling communist party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said on Sunday that he will not allow the party to split and any attempt from anywhere to weaken its unity would hurt the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters. Addressing the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) members in his hometown Chitwan, Prachanda said that he was determined to keep the party unity intact. "It is natural to have differences of opinion, dispute and debate in a big party, but I will not allow the party to split," he said. "If there is a dispute within the party, there are proper procedures to resolve it." His remarks came amid speculation that the NCP could split after top party leaders, including 'Prachanda', demanded Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." Prachanda also advised the party cadres to abide by the party principles and not to run from one camp to another at the time of the crisis. "Don't describe some leaders within the ruling party as anti-national and others as a nationalist," he said, in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Oli's recent statement that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories. The party and the government worked together to issue the new map, he pointed out. Earlier in the day, addressing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee in Chitwan, Prachanda said that the political activities should not affect the government's response to the coronavirus crisis and natural disasters. "Any attempt from anywhere else to weaken the party unity would not be in favour of the people," Prachanda was quoted as saying by Rising Nepal. He urged the entire political parties, civil society, media and one and all to engage in a combined battle against the COVID-19 crisis and natural disasters. Oli and Prachanda have held over half a dozen one-on-one meetings in recent days, but the two leaders are nowhere close to a power-sharing deal. Meanwhile, the ruling party is divided on one-on-one talks between Oli and Prachanda, with a senior party leader saying that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest. The meeting of the NCP's 45-member powerful Standing Committee to decide Oli's fate was scheduled to be held on Friday. But it was postponed for a week at the last moment, citing floods and landslides that killed at least 22 people. NCP leader Asta Laxmi Shakya said it was okay for the party to postpone the crucial meeting for a week, keeping in mind the risk of extreme weather, but Oli should be ready to settle these issues after seven days. She said that prolonging the issues will not serve anybody's interest and it means that differences will keep cropping up, impacting the party, The Himalayan Times reported. Shakya said that one-on-one meeting between Oli and Prachanda would not help resolve the crisis. "If the PM does not feel comfortable discussing some issues in front of all the members of the Standing Committee, then he could discuss these issues with the rival faction, with both factions including three to four key leaders or they can discuss the issues in the party Secretariat. "But the two co-chairs should not discuss issues themselves," she argued. Shakya said that Prime Minister Oli should have used his address to the nation on Friday night to calm down the youths protesting in his support and say that the party would not split, but he did not mention any of these things. NCP Standing Committee member Beduram Bhusal said that Oli mixed politics in his message meant to inform the public about the government's efforts to deal with natural disasters and COVID-19. Bhusal said that the only option for resolving the internal rift was to discuss all issues in the Standing Committee and follow the body's decision. Another Standing Committee member Mani Thapa, however, said that Oli's statement that internal differences could be resolved through dialogue was a sign that differences between him and Prachanda were narrowing down. Thapa said that he and some other second-rung leaders have advised Prachanda to focus on a one-on-one meeting with Oli as they were both signatories to the unity deal signed between the former CPN- UML and UCPN-Maoist Centre. According to Thapa, Prachanda was initially hesitant to hold a one-on-one meeting with Oli because he thought that could antagonise his faction leaders, particularly former prime ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jahala Nath Khanal, but he finally agreed when some second-rung leaders convinced him. Under mounting pressure to resign, Prime Minister Oli has downplayed the intra-party rift and said such disputes are "regular phenomena" that can be resolved through dialogue. The differences between the two factions of the NCP, one led by 68-year-old Oli and the other led by Prachanda on the issue of power-sharing, intensified after the prime minister unilaterally decided to prorogue the budget session of Parliament. The political future of Oli is now expected to be decided on July 17 during the Standing Committee meeting, amidst the growing involvement of Chinese envoy Hou Yanqui to save his chair.

Nepal political turmoil: As PM Oli's future decision deferred, NCP chairman says won't let party split

Nepal PM addresses the nation, plays down dissent in the party. KP Sharma Oli focuses on nationalism amid the political rift. Watch this video to know more.

Nepal PM addresses the nation, plays down dissent in the party

India is a more cost-effective trade option for Nepal. Watch this video to know why.

Indian ports more cost-effective trade option for Nepal

The standing committee meeting of Nepalese Communist Party (NCP) was postponed yet again for one week. Nepal's ruling communist party appeared to be heading for a split as Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' failed to iron out their differences despite holding over half-a-dozen meetings in a week.

Nepal: Standing committee meeting postponed once again

Bishnu Rijal, Deputy Chief of Department of Foreign Affairs, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) spoke to WION in an exclusive conversation. He addressed the current tensions prevailing among India and Nepal.

WION exclusive conversation with Nepal Communist Party's Bishnu Rijal

The Central Committee Meeting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-oli-led-government-loses-two-third-majority-socialist-party-withdraws-support-270227">ruling party</a> - Communist Party of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-concerned-over-recent-development-in-middle-east-after-soleimanis-killing-273398">Nepal</a> on Saturday evening decided to ask Deputy Speaker Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down from the post.

However, the meeting remained indecisive over who would be the House Speaker after the resignation of Krishna Bahadur Mahara following the accusation of attempted rape.

"NCP has decided to stand in the fray for the post of House Speaker for which we will be asking Deputy Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepali-parliament-to-start-process-to-pick-new-speaker-next-week-269419">Shivamaya Tumbahamphe</a> to step down clearing up the way forward," Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Spokesperson of the ruling party NCP told reporters in brief.

Shrestha did not mention about who will succeed over the post of House Speaker which has remained vacant for nearly three months.

Deputy Speaker Tumbahamphe, on the other hand, has vowed to remain on the post ruling out any chance of resignation and is determined to chair the parliamentary meeting called for January 12.

"I will preside tomorrow's parliamentary meeting as Deputy House Speaker. I will not resign from the post and I am not aware of the decision made by the Central Committee," Deputy House Speaker Tumbahamphe told ANI over the phone when asked about her response to the decision made by Central Committee Meeting held at Baluwatar on Saturday.

This time the election for the Speaker is seen with much caution because of the constitutional provision which demands Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be representatives from different party and gender.

"The election under clause (1) shall be so held that there is one woman as either Speaker or Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be representatives from different parties," states the constitution.

Outgoing speaker Mahara represented the then CPN (Maoist Center) and the current deputy speaker, Shivamaya Tumbahamphe, was from the former CPN-UML at the time of their election.

Later, the two parties were merged to form the NCP.

But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-ailing-prime-minister-k-sharma-oli-reshuffles-his-cabinet-263746">ruling party </a>refused to make any changes to the two posts, arguing that they were no longer with any party as they had already resigned their party positions immediately after being elected speaker and deputy speaker.

The Central Committee Meeting of the ruling party - Communist Party of Nepal on Saturday evening decided to ask Deputy Speaker Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down from the post.

The Central Committee Meeting of the ruling party - Communist Party of Nepal on Saturday evening decided to ask Deputy Speaker Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down from the post. However, the meeting remained indecisive over who would be the House Speaker after the resignation of Krishna Bahadur Mahara following the accusation of attempted rape. "NCP has decided to stand in the fray for the post of House Speaker for which we will be asking Deputy Speaker Shivamaya Tumbahamphe to step down clearing up the way forward," Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Spokesperson of the ruling party NCP told reporters in brief. Shrestha did not mention about who will succeed over the post of House Speaker which has remained vacant for nearly three months. Deputy Speaker Tumbahamphe, on the other hand, has vowed to remain on the post ruling out any chance of resignation and is determined to chair the parliamentary meeting called for January 12. "I will preside tomorrow's parliamentary meeting as Deputy House Speaker. I will not resign from the post and I am not aware of the decision made by the Central Committee," Deputy House Speaker Tumbahamphe told ANI over the phone when asked about her response to the decision made by Central Committee Meeting held at Baluwatar on Saturday. This time the election for the Speaker is seen with much caution because of the constitutional provision which demands Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be representatives from different party and gender. "The election under clause (1) shall be so held that there is one woman as either Speaker or Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be representatives from different parties," states the constitution. Outgoing speaker Mahara represented the then CPN (Maoist Center) and the current deputy speaker, Shivamaya Tumbahamphe, was from the former CPN-UML at the time of their election. Later, the two parties were merged to form the NCP. But the ruling party refused to make any changes to the two posts, arguing that they were no longer with any party as they had already resigned their party positions immediately after being elected speaker and deputy speaker.

Nepal's ruling party remains undecided over new House Speaker

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi.

On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said,&nbsp;"Those who do it should be suspended."

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow. "Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi. On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office. The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said, "Those who do it should be suspended."

Congress to get 12 berths in Maharashtra cabinet expansion

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday.

Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.&nbsp;

Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari.&nbsp;

Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion.

As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively.

The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties. Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari. Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion. As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively. The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.

Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray to expand state cabinet on Monday 

In India Citizenship amendment bill passed in Rajya Sabha. 125 votes are in favour of the bill and 105 votes are in against of the bill.

India: Citizenship amendment bill passed in Rajya Sabha

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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1201870054532374528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday.

Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.

The Speaker was elected a day after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray led Maharasthra Vikas Aghadi won the vote of confidence in the Legislative Assembly.

State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil announced the party's decision to take back the nomination of Kisan Kathore for the Assembly Speaker post after an all-party meeting this morning and before the end of the deadline of withdrawal of nomination ended at 10 am.

Barely an hour after the announcement, pro-tem Speaker formally announced Patole's election as the Speaker in the House.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the new Speaker and escorted him to the Speaker's chair to take charge.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday. Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday. Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post. The Speaker was elected a day after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray led Maharasthra Vikas Aghadi won the vote of confidence in the Legislative Assembly. State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil announced the party's decision to take back the nomination of Kisan Kathore for the Assembly Speaker post after an all-party meeting this morning and before the end of the deadline of withdrawal of nomination ended at 10 am. Barely an hour after the announcement, pro-tem Speaker formally announced Patole's election as the Speaker in the House. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the new Speaker and escorted him to the Speaker's chair to take charge.

Maharashtra legislative Assembly adjourned till December 16

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