The wedding reception of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule’s daughter Revati at the Pawar family’s 6, Janpath residence in the national capital on Monday evening saw several top political leaders of the country together. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were seen at the venue.&nbsp;Revati, daughter of Supriya Sule and granddaughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, married Nagpur-based industrialist Sarang Lakhani in Mumbai in June.&nbsp;The high-profile reception at 6 Janpath in Delhi celebrated Revati Sule's marriage to Nagpur-based industrialist Sarang Lakhani. The couple married in Mumbai in June, with the Delhi gathering marking a grand reception.&nbsp;The grand reception in Delhi saw leaders from across parties rub shoulders, exchange pleasantries, and have some conversation.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi first met Sharad Pawar and his wife and then they all moved to the stage to meet the couple.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the wedding reception of Revati Sule, daughter of Supriya Sule, and Sarang Lakhani. <a href="https://t.co/rj1GqawdR4">pic.twitter.com/rj1GqawdR4</a>&mdash; Akshay Kumar (@akshay_vicky) <a href="https://x.com/akshay_vicky/status/2087024846576435229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Sonia Gandhi came with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was accompanied by her daughter Miraya and son Raihan. Supriya Sule also joined the Gandhis as they posed with the newlyweds.&nbsp;Amit Shah was seen standing a few feet away from Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;“Jaiye aap (Please go),” Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, gestured to the Home Minister to proceed to the stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Amit Shah and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared a rare cross-party moment on Monday evening, when they attended the Delhi wedding reception of Revati Sule, daughter of NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule and granddaughter of veteran politician Sharad Pawar. <a href="https://t.co/NDf6DnS4id">pic.twitter.com/NDf6DnS4id</a>&mdash; Indians (@onindians_) <a href="https://x.com/onindians_/status/2087014092414619704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Amit Shah walked onto the stage where the couple touched his feet. He handed them a bouquet and posed with the new couple for some photographs.&nbsp;After Shah, Supriya Sule led Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi onto the stage.Supriya made Sonia Gandhi stand in between the couple and Priyanka and Rahul on either side as the Gandhi family obliged the shutterbugs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi yesterday Supriya Sule daughter wedding <a href="https://t.co/ph0EhrbNh2">pic.twitter.com/ph0EhrbNh2</a>&mdash; Ashish Singh (@AshishSinghKiJi) <a href="https://x.com/AshishSinghKiJi/status/2087035997808894390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also attended the reception and later shared pictures from the celebrations on X.RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and several chief ministers, also graced the event with their presence. Congress MP Deepender Hooda and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were seen shaking hands and smiling.The reception also saw the attendance of Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Chirag Paswan, who arrived to congratulate the newlyweds. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, Delhi Minister Pravesh Verma also attended the event. Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale were also present at the gathering.Union Minister Giriraj Singh and former Union Minister Smriti Irani also attended the high-profile event.Leaders were seen sharing tables and engaging in light conversations during the reception.Sonia Gandhi walked up to the table where Akhilesh Yadav was seated, and the two exchanged pleasantries.

The reception at the Pawar family’s 6, Janpath residence in Delhi celebrated Revati Sule's marriage to Nagpur-based industrialist Sarang Lakhani. The couple married in Mumbai in Jun. The reception saw leaders from across parties rub shoulders, exchange pleasantries, and have conversation.

The wedding reception of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule’s daughter Revati at the Pawar family’s 6, Janpath residence in the national capital on Monday evening saw several top political leaders of the country together. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were seen at the venue. Revati, daughter of Supriya Sule and granddaughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, married Nagpur-based industrialist Sarang Lakhani in Mumbai in June. The high-profile reception at 6 Janpath in Delhi celebrated Revati Sule's marriage to Nagpur-based industrialist Sarang Lakhani. The couple married in Mumbai in June, with the Delhi gathering marking a grand reception. The grand reception in Delhi saw leaders from across parties rub shoulders, exchange pleasantries, and have some conversation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first met Sharad Pawar and his wife and then they all moved to the stage to meet the couple.

The reception at the Pawar family’s 6, Janpath residence in Delhi celebrated Revati Sule's marriage to Nagpur-based industrialist Sarang Lakhani. The couple married in Mumbai in Jun. The reception saw leaders from across parties rub shoulders, exchange pleasantries, and have conversation.

PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Gandhis: Top leaders attend wedding reception of Supriya Sule’s daughter

on Tuesday Sharad Pawar joined forces with the opposition at Jantar Mantar where students are protesting against NEET paper leak and seeking education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, on Wednesday he was meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his daughter MP Supriya Sule. In June, there were several reports to suggest that Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP) could be considering a merger with the Congress to prevent any possible poaching of his legislators. A month later in July, there are strong speculations that Sharad Pawar is leaning towards the NDA to secure the future of his party in the twilight years of his politics.&nbsp;His daughter Supriya Sule, who is MP from Baramati, has rejected all speculations on backing or joining the NDA and has maintained that the party is yet to take any stand on the Delimitation Bill.But her remark last week: “if the proposed Delimitation Bill- a key legislative agenda of the NDA government- is based on a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across all states, there would be little reason to oppose it," has already set tongues wagging.&nbsp;Pawar has at present 8 members in Lok Sabha and 10 MLAs in Maharashtra assembly. With the NDA government working aggressively behind the scenes to reach the magic figure of two-thirds majority in Lok Sabha for the Delimitation Bill, Sharad Pawar knows that his MPs are vulnerable. He has just seen Uddhav Thackeray helplessly lose his 6 MPs to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Both Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar have suffered coups that split their parties vertically. While Shinde revolted against Uddhav and took control of the Shiv Sena, in NCP the revolt was led by the late Ajit Pawar, who rebelled against his uncle Sharad in 2023 and wrested control of the party.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-breaks-silence-on-paper-leaks-amid-growing-neet-protests-calls-for-education-minister-s-resignation-1784614265070">'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows</a>&nbsp;a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office has raised political eyebrows.NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter and MP Surpiya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his office on Wednesday.In pictures from the meeting the veteran Maratha leader and the prime minister were seen sharing a hearty laugh while exchanging some notes.In another picture Prime Minister was seen receiving the senior leader at the door of his room.During the meeting Sharad Pawar submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister listing the issues faced by the farmers in the country and issues related to irrigation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/guru-is-the-indian-education-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-shares-message-on-education-amid-calls-for-his-resignation-1784602204214">'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation</a><h2>What is the Delimitation Bill?</h2>The Delimitation Bill will redraw parliamentary and assembly constituencies and according to that it will readjust the allocation of Lok Sabha seats among states as provided by law after the Census (Article 82). The next nationwide delimitation is to be undertaken after the first Census conducted after 2026, making it the first major readjustment in decades. It is linked to Women's Reservation as the Constitution (106th Amendment) states that reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will come into effect only after the first Census following the amendment and a subsequent delimitation exercise. This has been highlighted by the ruling party which is batting in favour of the bill.However, Opposition, specially the Southern states argue that changes in constituency boundaries will directly impact the number of seats and that in turn will impact the parliamentary representation. That's how this has become a major North-South debate and a politically sensitive matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharad Pawar joined opposition leaders at the Jantar Mantar protest before meeting PM Modi with daughter Supriya Sule, fuelling speculation over NCP(SP)’s political future. Amid Delimitation Bill debates, questions are growing over whether Pawar could move closer to the NDA.

on Tuesday Sharad Pawar joined forces with the opposition at Jantar Mantar where students are protesting against NEET paper leak and seeking education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, on Wednesday he was meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his daughter MP Supriya Sule. In June, there were several reports to suggest that Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP) could be considering a merger with the Congress to prevent any possible poaching of his legislators. A month later in July, there are strong speculations that Sharad Pawar is leaning towards the NDA to secure the future of his party in the twilight years of his politics. His daughter Supriya Sule, who is MP from Baramati, has rejected all speculations on backing or joining the NDA and has maintained that the party is yet to take any stand on the Delimitation Bill.But her remark last week: “if the proposed Delimitation Bill- a key legislative agenda of the NDA government- is based on a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across all states, there would be little reason to oppose it," has already set tongues wagging. Pawar has at present 8 members in Lok Sabha and 10 MLAs in Maharashtra assembly. With the NDA government working aggressively behind the scenes to reach the magic figure of two-thirds majority in Lok Sabha for the Delimitation Bill, Sharad Pawar knows that his MPs are vulnerable. He has just seen Uddhav Thackeray helplessly lose his 6 MPs to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Both Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar have suffered coups that split their parties vertically. While Shinde revolted against Uddhav and took control of the Shiv Sena, in NCP the revolt was led by the late Ajit Pawar, who rebelled against his uncle Sharad in 2023 and wrested control of the party. Also Read: 'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office has raised political eyebrows. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter and MP Surpiya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his office on Wednesday. In pictures from the meeting the veteran Maratha leader and the prime minister were seen sharing a hearty laugh while exchanging some notes. In another picture Prime Minister was seen receiving the senior leader at the door of his room. During the meeting Sharad Pawar submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister listing the issues faced by the farmers in the country and issues related to irrigation. Also Read: 'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation What is the Delimitation Bill? The Delimitation Bill will redraw parliamentary and assembly constituencies and according to that it will readjust the allocation of Lok Sabha seats among states as provided by law after the Census (Article 82). The next nationwide delimitation is to be undertaken after the first Census conducted after 2026, making it the first major readjustment in decades. It is linked to Women's Reservation as the Constitution (106th Amendment) states that reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will come into effect only after the first Census following the amendment and a subsequent delimitation exercise. This has been highlighted by the ruling party which is batting in favour of the bill. However, Opposition, specially the Southern states argue that changes in constituency boundaries will directly impact the number of seats and that in turn will impact the parliamentary representation. That's how this has become a major North-South debate and a politically sensitive matter.

Sharad Pawar joined opposition leaders at the Jantar Mantar protest before meeting PM Modi with daughter Supriya Sule, fuelling speculation over NCP(SP)’s political future. Amid Delimitation Bill debates, questions are growing over whether Pawar could move closer to the NDA.

Sharad Pawar meets PM after joining NEET protest: Why his political moves amid Delimitation Bill matter

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was hospitalized in Pune on February 9, 2026, due to a throat infection, fever, cough, and breathing difficulties that worsened at his Baramati residence.



NCP Chief Pawar Admitted After Health Deteriorates

Senior leader and NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar was moved from Baramati to Pune’s Ruby Hall Clinic on Monday afternoon (February 9) after his health worsened, his office said. Doctors advised the transfer after he developed a cough and breathing difficulty. He is currently under close medical observation. His wife, Pratibha Pawar, daughter, Supriya Sule, and son-in-law, Sadanand Sule, have also reached the hospital.&nbsp;Ruby Hall Clinic’s chief cardiologist and managing trustee, Dr Parvez Grant, confirmed the update, saying that a medical team would examine Sharad Pawar on arrival and determine the next steps based on their assessment. Sharad Pawar is an oral cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with the disease in the late 1990s and subsequently underwent several surgeries, both in India and the United States, as part of his treatment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-shivam-mishra-tobacoo-baron-s-car-crazed-son-who-rammed-his-lamborghini-into-pedestrians-in-kanpur-1770625580796">Who is Shivam Mishra, tobacco baron's car-crazed son who rammed his Lamborghini into pedestrians in Kanpur</a>&nbsp;NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew, Shrinivas Pawar, said that Sharad Pawar had been suffering from persistent coughing since Sunday night (February 8) and appeared to have chest congestion. He was subsequently taken to Pune for hospitalisation. Despite the recent passing of his nephew and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar continued to interact with people and attend public engagements.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-dhurandhar-tops-netflix-global-charts-trends-in-22-countries-1770630691189/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-dhurandhar-tops-netflix-global-charts-trends-in-22-countries-1770630691189/embed</a>&nbsp;Doctors are expected to provide more clarity on his condition after completing their examination and assessing his response to treatment. The development comes days after Ajit Pawar lost his life in a plane crash in Baramati. The private aircraft he was travelling in crashed on January 28, killing all five people on board. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered an investigation into the incident.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-bjp-deletes-video-showing-cm-himanta-firing-at-muslims-after-backlash-1770620991772">Assam BJP deletes video showing CM Himanta ‘firing’ at Muslims after backlash</a>

NCP chief Sharad Pawar admitted to hospital after complaining of breathing issues

Senior leader and NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar was moved from Baramati to Pune’s Ruby Hall Clinic on Monday afternoon (February 9) after his health worsened, his office said. Doctors advised the transfer after he developed a cough and breathing difficulty. He is currently under close medical observation. His wife, Pratibha Pawar, daughter, Supriya Sule, and son-in-law, Sadanand Sule, have also reached the hospital. Ruby Hall Clinic’s chief cardiologist and managing trustee, Dr Parvez Grant, confirmed the update, saying that a medical team would examine Sharad Pawar on arrival and determine the next steps based on their assessment. Sharad Pawar is an oral cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with the disease in the late 1990s and subsequently underwent several surgeries, both in India and the United States, as part of his treatment. Also Read: Who is Shivam Mishra, tobacco baron's car-crazed son who rammed his Lamborghini into pedestrians in Kanpur NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew, Shrinivas Pawar, said that Sharad Pawar had been suffering from persistent coughing since Sunday night (February 8) and appeared to have chest congestion. He was subsequently taken to Pune for hospitalisation. Despite the recent passing of his nephew and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar continued to interact with people and attend public engagements. https://www.wionews.com/videos/-dhurandhar-tops-netflix-global-charts-trends-in-22-countries-1770630691189/embed Doctors are expected to provide more clarity on his condition after completing their examination and assessing his response to treatment. The development comes days after Ajit Pawar lost his life in a plane crash in Baramati. The private aircraft he was travelling in crashed on January 28, killing all five people on board. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered an investigation into the incident. Also Read: Assam BJP deletes video showing CM Himanta ‘firing’ at Muslims after backlash

Sharad Pawar was shifted from Baramati to Pune’s Ruby Hall Clinic after cough and breathing trouble; doctors are currently monitoring him

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Maharashtra state unit leadership took pot shots at the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on Monday for raising the pitch for a merger with the NCP and its timing, terming it desperation for unification and also questioned about the fate of its “secular” agenda.&nbsp;After former NCP chief and deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash on January 28, Sharad Pawar claimed that the merger decision was to be announced on February 12. The NCP (SP) said Ajit was keen on merger and that it shared the same view. NCP (SP) leaders also said that Ajit had held several rounds of discussions with them about unifying the two factions.&nbsp;NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare said on Sunday that his party’s decision to remain with the BJP-led NDA is “permanent”.&nbsp;Keshav Upadhye, chief spokesperson of Maharashtra BJP, told The Indian Express, “The NCP is with the NDA and Mahayuti. If Sharad Pawar’s party wants to join hands with the NCP, it will have to join the government. In that case, what will happen to its secular agenda?”&nbsp;<h2>‘Even before the mourning period ended and ashes were immersed’</h2>&nbsp;“Why is Sharad Pawar’s party so desperate to merge with NCP? Even before the mourning period ended and before Ajit Pawar’s ashes were immersed, they raised the issue of a merger. Why are they in such a hurry to merge?” Upadhye asked.&nbsp;Last Saturday, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar indicated that the process to merge the two NCP factions was slated for February 12 but has come to a halt following the death of Ajit Pawar. He even suggested that leaders from the NCP are no longer keen on the move despite his own party’s willingness.&nbsp;Upadhye also wrote a post on social media in Marathi, questioning Sharad Pawar’s credibility and his party’s desperation to merge.&nbsp;<h2>‘Criticism being aimed at Sunetra Pawar and BJP’</h2>&nbsp;He said questions should have actually been raised on Sharad Pawar’s credibility, but criticism was being aimed at Sunetra Pawar and the BJP.&nbsp;Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, was sworn in Saturday as the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister.&nbsp;“On the very day the accident occurred, the Pawar faction began talking about merger, and Sharad Pawar himself expressed agreement. Actually, no one from the NCP had officially demanded such a discussion. So, what exactly was the need to push this subject forward with such haste?” he asked.&nbsp;Upadhye said that by raising the issue of merger at the wrong time, the NCP (SP) only showed its desperation. “Was the talk of a merger a sign of the Pawar faction’s political helplessness? Because at that moment, it was clear that Ajit Pawar would remain with the NDA and Mahayuti,” he said.&nbsp;“Why didn’t Sharad Pawar himself take a clear stand by saying no discussions regarding a merger should take place right now? He should have said, as the elder of the family, I stand firmly behind Sunetra Pawar. He should have said I will accept whatever decisions she makes. We shall hold political discussions only after the period of mourning is over.”

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar indicated last Saturday that the process to merge the two NCP factions was slated for Feb 12 but has come to a halt following the death of Ajit Pawar. He even hinted that NCP leaders were no longer keen on a merger despite his own party’s willingness.

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Maharashtra state unit leadership took pot shots at the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on Monday for raising the pitch for a merger with the NCP and its timing, terming it desperation for unification and also questioned about the fate of its “secular” agenda. After former NCP chief and deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash on January 28, Sharad Pawar claimed that the merger decision was to be announced on February 12. The NCP (SP) said Ajit was keen on merger and that it shared the same view. NCP (SP) leaders also said that Ajit had held several rounds of discussions with them about unifying the two factions. NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare said on Sunday that his party’s decision to remain with the BJP-led NDA is “permanent”. Keshav Upadhye, chief spokesperson of Maharashtra BJP, told The Indian Express, “The NCP is with the NDA and Mahayuti. If Sharad Pawar’s party wants to join hands with the NCP, it will have to join the government. In that case, what will happen to its secular agenda?” ‘Even before the mourning period ended and ashes were immersed’ “Why is Sharad Pawar’s party so desperate to merge with NCP? Even before the mourning period ended and before Ajit Pawar’s ashes were immersed, they raised the issue of a merger. Why are they in such a hurry to merge?” Upadhye asked. Last Saturday, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar indicated that the process to merge the two NCP factions was slated for February 12 but has come to a halt following the death of Ajit Pawar. He even suggested that leaders from the NCP are no longer keen on the move despite his own party’s willingness. Upadhye also wrote a post on social media in Marathi, questioning Sharad Pawar’s credibility and his party’s desperation to merge. ‘Criticism being aimed at Sunetra Pawar and BJP’ He said questions should have actually been raised on Sharad Pawar’s credibility, but criticism was being aimed at Sunetra Pawar and the BJP. Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, was sworn in Saturday as the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister. “On the very day the accident occurred, the Pawar faction began talking about merger, and Sharad Pawar himself expressed agreement. Actually, no one from the NCP had officially demanded such a discussion. So, what exactly was the need to push this subject forward with such haste?” he asked. Upadhye said that by raising the issue of merger at the wrong time, the NCP (SP) only showed its desperation. “Was the talk of a merger a sign of the Pawar faction’s political helplessness? Because at that moment, it was clear that Ajit Pawar would remain with the NDA and Mahayuti,” he said. “Why didn’t Sharad Pawar himself take a clear stand by saying no discussions regarding a merger should take place right now? He should have said, as the elder of the family, I stand firmly behind Sunetra Pawar. He should have said I will accept whatever decisions she makes. We shall hold political discussions only after the period of mourning is over.”

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar indicated last Saturday that the process to merge the two NCP factions was slated for Feb 12 but has come to a halt following the death of Ajit Pawar. He even hinted that NCP leaders were no longer keen on a merger despite his own party’s willingness.

‘Even before Ajit Pawar’s ashes were immersed…’: BJP slams NCP (SP)’s ‘desperation’ for merger

With just four days left for the civic body polls in Maharashtra, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar said on Friday that the rift in the Pawar family has been sorted out and that the workers of both the NCP factions—one headed by him, and the other by his uncle Sharad Pawar, want to reunite.“The workers of both parties want to unite. The two NCPs are together now. All tensions in our family have ended,” said Ajit.The Nationalist Congress Party, founded by Sharad Pawar, had split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke away along with other senior party members and joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), claimed the original party name and symbol and became the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-wants-us-to-kidnap-netanyahu-after-maduro-capture-watch-1767982088543">Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif wants US to ‘kidnap’ Netanyahu after Maduro capture | Watch</a><h2>‘No permanent enemies in politics’</h2>&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday, Ajit Pawar had signalled to a local news channel that the two NCP factions could come together permanently after the ongoing municipal elections and said that there are no “permanent enemies” in politics.“As municipal elections are underway, we are extremely busy with alliance talks, seat-sharing, campaign planning, and the actual campaigning. There is no time to discuss these issues right now…But since both factions have come together in some places, the workers of both parties are very happy. One thing is clear—there are no permanent enemies in politics,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-started-freeing-political-prisoners-so-i-cancelled-2nd-wave-of-planned-attacks-trump-1767968988801">Venezuela started freeing political prisoners, so I cancelled 2nd wave of ‘planned’ attacks: Trump</a>&nbsp;Both NCP factions are fighting together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in the upcoming civic body polls, a decision hailed by the workers of both the parties, Pawar said.“Workers from both factions are happy that we are contesting together in these cities. It is a good thing. We will discuss the larger issue later, as our focus right now is on these elections,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-khamenei-is-looking-to-go-someplace-says-trump-as-protests-intensify-in-iran-1767963290206">‘Khamenei is looking to go someplace,’ says Trump as protests intensify in Iran</a>&nbsp;When asked why he is spending more time in both the cities as compared to his cousin and MP Supriya Sule from Sharad Pawar NCP faction, Ajit said that the focus varies depending on the region and that Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are his home districts.“Sunil Tatkare has also visited Pune, and other leaders are campaigning in their respective districts. I have been informed that Supriya Sule will be visiting the city soon for campaigning,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-s-hands-stained-with-the-blood-of-iranians-some-rioters-want-to-please-him-says-khamenei-amid-death-to-america-chants-1767956396834">‘Trump’s hands stained with the blood of Iranians, some rioters want to please him,’ says Khamenei amid ‘Death to America’ chants</a>&nbsp;MP Supriya Sule, however, said that the two NCP factions have come together for the Pimpri-Chinchwad polls on the demand of party workers.“There has been no discussion on whether this alliance with Ajit Pawar will continue,” she said, while trashing rumours of NCP (SP) joining the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

Earlier on Thursday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar had signalled to a news channel that the two NCP factions could come together permanently after the ongoing municipal elections and said that there are no “permanent enemies” in politics.

With just four days left for the civic body polls in Maharashtra, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar said on Friday that the rift in the Pawar family has been sorted out and that the workers of both the NCP factions—one headed by him, and the other by his uncle Sharad Pawar, want to reunite. “The workers of both parties want to unite. The two NCPs are together now. All tensions in our family have ended,” said Ajit. The Nationalist Congress Party, founded by Sharad Pawar, had split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke away along with other senior party members and joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), claimed the original party name and symbol and became the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. Also Read: Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif wants US to ‘kidnap’ Netanyahu after Maduro capture | Watch ‘No permanent enemies in politics’ Earlier on Thursday, Ajit Pawar had signalled to a local news channel that the two NCP factions could come together permanently after the ongoing municipal elections and said that there are no “permanent enemies” in politics. “As municipal elections are underway, we are extremely busy with alliance talks, seat-sharing, campaign planning, and the actual campaigning. There is no time to discuss these issues right now…But since both factions have come together in some places, the workers of both parties are very happy. One thing is clear—there are no permanent enemies in politics,” he said. Also Read: Venezuela started freeing political prisoners, so I cancelled 2nd wave of ‘planned’ attacks: Trump Both NCP factions are fighting together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in the upcoming civic body polls, a decision hailed by the workers of both the parties, Pawar said. “Workers from both factions are happy that we are contesting together in these cities. It is a good thing. We will discuss the larger issue later, as our focus right now is on these elections,” he said. Also Read: ‘Khamenei is looking to go someplace,’ says Trump as protests intensify in Iran When asked why he is spending more time in both the cities as compared to his cousin and MP Supriya Sule from Sharad Pawar NCP faction, Ajit said that the focus varies depending on the region and that Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are his home districts. “Sunil Tatkare has also visited Pune, and other leaders are campaigning in their respective districts. I have been informed that Supriya Sule will be visiting the city soon for campaigning,” he said. Also Read: ‘Trump’s hands stained with the blood of Iranians, some rioters want to please him,’ says Khamenei amid ‘Death to America’ chants MP Supriya Sule, however, said that the two NCP factions have come together for the Pimpri-Chinchwad polls on the demand of party workers. “There has been no discussion on whether this alliance with Ajit Pawar will continue,” she said, while trashing rumours of NCP (SP) joining the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

Earlier on Thursday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar had signalled to a news channel that the two NCP factions could come together permanently after the ongoing municipal elections and said that there are no “permanent enemies” in politics.

‘Family rift sorted’: Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar says both NCP factions ‘together’ now

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (Jan 12) hit out at the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray by saying that the people of Maharashtra have ended the politics of "betrayal" and "backstabbing" in the recently concluded assembly elections.
Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state convention in Shirdi, Union Home Minister Shah said, "The politics of 'daga-phatka' (back-stabbing) that Sharad Pawar had been doing since 1978, the victory in Maharashtra (by you people) has buried it 20 feet under the ground."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-cabinet-portfolios-allocated-devendra-fadnavis-keeps-home-ministry-know-what-others-got-785877" rel="dofollow">Maharashtra cabinet portfolios allocated: Devendra Fadnavis keeps home ministry. Know what others got</a>
"Uddhav Thackeray had betrayed us, he left his ideology, he left the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray and became the Chief Minister in 2019 by using lies and deceit, you have shown him his place," he added.
<h2>Shah on Mahayuti's victory in Maharashtra polls</h2>
With the Mahayuti alliance (the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and the NCP- Ajit Pawar faction) securing a handsome win in the 2024 assembly elections, Amit Shah said the win was a milestone that put India's politics back on track.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Maharashtra: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "... The victory (of BJP) in Maharashtra ended the politics of instability and backstabbing started by Sharad Pawar in 1978. Uddhav Thackeray betrayed us, he left the ideology of Balasaheb in 2019. Today you have shown him&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/BzACZ9bOSJ">pic.twitter.com/BzACZ9bOSJ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1878413738912735565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

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"The architects of this success are BJP workers. I salute all of you and thank the people of Maharashtra on behalf of the BJP. This victory is a hard slap on the face of those who engage in family politics," Shah added.
The Indian home minister further pointed out that the result also showed that Eknath Shinde's party was the real Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's party was the real NCP.
<h2>'INDIA bloc is completely disintegrated'</h2>
During the event, Shah also said that the opposition INDIA bloc was completely disintegrated, adding that the alliance was not going to fight together in the Delhi assembly elections and the Mumbai municipal elections.
"Today the INDIA alliance has completely disintegrated. Mumbai is going to have elections and Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are preparing to contest alone. Just like you gave us a grand victory in Maharashtra, in the same way, on February 8, 2025, the BJP government is going to be formed in Delhi. 2024 ended with the victory of Maharashtra and 2025 will begin with BJP's Delhi victory," Shah said.

India News Trending: The Indian home minister further pointed out that the result also showed that Eknath Shinde's party was the real Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's party was the real NCP.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (Jan 12) hit out at the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray by saying that the people of Maharashtra have ended the politics of "betrayal" and "backstabbing" in the recently concluded assembly elections. Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state convention in Shirdi, Union Home Minister Shah said, "The politics of 'daga-phatka' (back-stabbing) that Sharad Pawar had been doing since 1978, the victory in Maharashtra (by you people) has buried it 20 feet under the ground." Also read | Maharashtra cabinet portfolios allocated: Devendra Fadnavis keeps home ministry. Know what others got "Uddhav Thackeray had betrayed us, he left his ideology, he left the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray and became the Chief Minister in 2019 by using lies and deceit, you have shown him his place," he added. Shah on Mahayuti's victory in Maharashtra polls With the Mahayuti alliance (the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and the NCP- Ajit Pawar faction) securing a handsome win in the 2024 assembly elections, Amit Shah said the win was a milestone that put India's politics back on track. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "... The victory (of BJP) in Maharashtra ended the politics of instability and backstabbing started by Sharad Pawar in 1978. Uddhav Thackeray betrayed us, he left the ideology of Balasaheb in 2019. Today you have shown him… pic.twitter.com/BzACZ9bOSJ — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025 "The architects of this success are BJP workers. I salute all of you and thank the people of Maharashtra on behalf of the BJP. This victory is a hard slap on the face of those who engage in family politics," Shah added. The Indian home minister further pointed out that the result also showed that Eknath Shinde's party was the real Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's party was the real NCP. 'INDIA bloc is completely disintegrated' During the event, Shah also said that the opposition INDIA bloc was completely disintegrated, adding that the alliance was not going to fight together in the Delhi assembly elections and the Mumbai municipal elections. "Today the INDIA alliance has completely disintegrated. Mumbai is going to have elections and Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are preparing to contest alone. Just like you gave us a grand victory in Maharashtra, in the same way, on February 8, 2025, the BJP government is going to be formed in Delhi. 2024 ended with the victory of Maharashtra and 2025 will begin with BJP's Delhi victory," Shah said.

People of Maharashtra ended politics of 'betrayal and back stabbing' in polls: Amit Shah

The political suspense continues in the Indian state of Maharashtra over the selection of the next chief minister. The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is yet to decide on the issue after the coalition won a landslide last week. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who belongs to the Shiv Sena, is expected to continue in the post. However, leaders in the BJP, which won 137 seats on its own compared to Shiv Sena's 57 seats, want the party to hold the chief minister's position. Watch in for more details!

India: Who Will Be The Next Maharashtra CM?

Maharashtra's New CM: All Eyes Are On BJP's New Legislature Party Leader

With less than a month to go, Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for a colossal battle of two alliances that did not exist merely three years ago. The voting for the 288 seats is set to take place on November 20 as national parties like Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) flex their muscle. Eyes will also be firmly on the divided Shiv Sena (SS) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as they enter their maiden elections after the internal split out in recent years. &nbsp;

<h2>What has happened in the last five years?</h2>

In the last five years&nbsp;unified SS, once an ally of BJP, decided to break the alliance and form a government with INC and NCP in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray, son of SS’s founder Bal Thackeray, became chief minister of state and gave a new direction to Maharashtra’s politics. An internal conflict in SS in June 2022 saw Eknath Shinde march out of the alliance and form a government with the BJP.

This meant that Shiv Sena was divided into two parties – Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and Shiv Sena-UBT (Uddhav Bal Thackeray). SS-UBT would remain part of the INDIA bloc where INC is the leading national party.

A similar pattern also followed in the NCP, which also got divided in July 2023 when veteran leader Ajit Pawar decided to shake hands with BJP and SS in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Subsequently, the party was divided into – NCP and NCP-SP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

<h2>Background</h2>

While there has been plenty of bad blood between Shiv Sena’s two factions, the same has not been the case in NCP. While Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde openly criticise each other, friction has only increased whenever they get the opportunity. The Dussehra Melawa (Shiv Sena’s annual public program on Vijayadashami festival) has seen plenty of bad blood being exchanged. The two factions have also gone personal to criticise one another since separation.

On the other hand, Ajit Pawar has been a silent customer despite being in the NDA. Interestingly, he refrains from directly criticising his uncle and former chief minister Sharad Pawar. While he sits in power with the BJP, Pawar and his supporters still maintain a mutual respect for NCP-SP’s supreme leader. NCP’s members who decided to join NDA went to meet Sharad Pawar in July 2023, days after the party was split.

While the friction was given a new turn in the general elections of 2024 where Ajit would field his wife Sunetra Pawar against Sharad Pawar’s daughter and sitting Member of Parliament Supriya Sule from the Baramati constituency, there was still no bad blood in the families. Sule would win the seat convincingly while Sunetra Pawar was later sent to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian parliament). Despite all the chaos, NCP leaders still maintain close contact and mutual respect for NCP-SP leaders and family.

<h2>Why NCP will be the kingmaker?</h2>

While it is almost unlikely for Shiv Sena to get unified after the elections, that won’t be the case in NCP. The base of mutual respect and Ajit Pawar’s reluctance to criticise Sharad Pawar shows that there is still humbleness in the NCP. If there is a scenario where the NCP could yet get unified with Ajit Pawar faction leaders seeking an apology, they are likely to be welcomed back with open arms.

<h2>Numbers game</h2>

While everyone is likely to write off Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction after a dismal show in the 2024 general elections, there is a number’s game that could prove otherwise. It is expected that Ajit Pawar’s NCP will get around 50 seats to contest in the Assembly elections in NDA. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP is likely to contest on around 90 seats from the INDIA bloc. Considering, Ajit Pawar NCP’s poor strike rate in the general elections of 2024, they will be expected to win anything between 15-20 seats.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-poll-body-rejects-oppositions-baseless-allegations-of-irregularities-in-haryana-polls-771771">India’s poll body rejects Opposition’s ‘baseless’ allegations of irregularities in Haryana polls</a>

On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP will be expected to win anything between 60-70 after their 80 per cent win strike rate in general elections (NCP-SP won eight of the 10 Lok Sabha seats they contested).

If both the cases are met and the NCP decides to get unified after elections, the NCP could have anything in the region of 75-90 seats in the house. Interestingly, this could be the biggest success for NCP since its birth with their previous best being in 2004 where they won 71 seats.

According to strike rate conversion from general elections, a unified NCP&nbsp;could be the second-biggest party in the state after the BJP (likely to win about 80-90 seats based on Lok Sabha strike rate conversion). On the other hand, a unified Shiv Sena could clinch between 60-75 seats, but are unlikely to shake hands, meaning NCP could be the kingmakers in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 as no party could form a government without their support in the house.

With less than a month to go, Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for a colossal battle of two alliances that did not exist merely three years ago. The voting for the 288 seats is set to take place on November 20 as national parties like Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) flex their muscle.

With less than a month to go, Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for a colossal battle of two alliances that did not exist merely three years ago. The voting for the 288 seats is set to take place on November 20 as national parties like Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) flex their muscle. Eyes will also be firmly on the divided Shiv Sena (SS) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as they enter their maiden elections after the internal split out in recent years. What has happened in the last five years? In the last five years unified SS, once an ally of BJP, decided to break the alliance and form a government with INC and NCP in 2019. Uddhav Thackeray, son of SS’s founder Bal Thackeray, became chief minister of state and gave a new direction to Maharashtra’s politics. An internal conflict in SS in June 2022 saw Eknath Shinde march out of the alliance and form a government with the BJP. This meant that Shiv Sena was divided into two parties – Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and Shiv Sena-UBT (Uddhav Bal Thackeray). SS-UBT would remain part of the INDIA bloc where INC is the leading national party. A similar pattern also followed in the NCP, which also got divided in July 2023 when veteran leader Ajit Pawar decided to shake hands with BJP and SS in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Subsequently, the party was divided into – NCP and NCP-SP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Background While there has been plenty of bad blood between Shiv Sena’s two factions, the same has not been the case in NCP. While Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde openly criticise each other, friction has only increased whenever they get the opportunity. The Dussehra Melawa (Shiv Sena’s annual public program on Vijayadashami festival) has seen plenty of bad blood being exchanged. The two factions have also gone personal to criticise one another since separation. On the other hand, Ajit Pawar has been a silent customer despite being in the NDA. Interestingly, he refrains from directly criticising his uncle and former chief minister Sharad Pawar. While he sits in power with the BJP, Pawar and his supporters still maintain a mutual respect for NCP-SP’s supreme leader. NCP’s members who decided to join NDA went to meet Sharad Pawar in July 2023, days after the party was split. While the friction was given a new turn in the general elections of 2024 where Ajit would field his wife Sunetra Pawar against Sharad Pawar’s daughter and sitting Member of Parliament Supriya Sule from the Baramati constituency, there was still no bad blood in the families. Sule would win the seat convincingly while Sunetra Pawar was later sent to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian parliament). Despite all the chaos, NCP leaders still maintain close contact and mutual respect for NCP-SP leaders and family. Why NCP will be the kingmaker? While it is almost unlikely for Shiv Sena to get unified after the elections, that won’t be the case in NCP. The base of mutual respect and Ajit Pawar’s reluctance to criticise Sharad Pawar shows that there is still humbleness in the NCP. If there is a scenario where the NCP could yet get unified with Ajit Pawar faction leaders seeking an apology, they are likely to be welcomed back with open arms. Numbers game While everyone is likely to write off Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction after a dismal show in the 2024 general elections, there is a number’s game that could prove otherwise. It is expected that Ajit Pawar’s NCP will get around 50 seats to contest in the Assembly elections in NDA. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP is likely to contest on around 90 seats from the INDIA bloc. Considering, Ajit Pawar NCP’s poor strike rate in the general elections of 2024, they will be expected to win anything between 15-20 seats. ALSO READ | India’s poll body rejects Opposition’s ‘baseless’ allegations of irregularities in Haryana polls On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s NCP will be expected to win anything between 60-70 after their 80 per cent win strike rate in general elections (NCP-SP won eight of the 10 Lok Sabha seats they contested). If both the cases are met and the NCP decides to get unified after elections, the NCP could have anything in the region of 75-90 seats in the house. Interestingly, this could be the biggest success for NCP since its birth with their previous best being in 2004 where they won 71 seats. According to strike rate conversion from general elections, a unified NCP could be the second-biggest party in the state after the BJP (likely to win about 80-90 seats based on Lok Sabha strike rate conversion). On the other hand, a unified Shiv Sena could clinch between 60-75 seats, but are unlikely to shake hands, meaning NCP could be the kingmakers in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 as no party could form a government without their support in the house.

Explained: Why NCP will be the 'kingmaker' in Maharashtra assembly elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Oct 20) announced its first list of 99 candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra legislative elections. The state assembly has a total of 288 seats, and the BJP plans to contest 151 of them.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Oct 20) announced its first list of 99 candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra legislative elections. The state assembly has a total of 288 seats, and the BJP plans to contest 151 of them. One of the key candidates in the first list is Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will be running from his traditional constituency, Nagpur South West. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has been nominated from Kamthi. The list also features Nitesh Rane, son of senior BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP Narayan Rane. He will be contesting from Kankavli, the seat he currently holds in the assembly. Other notable names in the list include former state president Chandrakant Patil, who will contest from Kothrud, Ram Kadam from Ghatkopar West, Shweta Mahale Patil from Chikli, and Vijaykumar Gavit from Nandurbar (ST). Also read: IndiGo, Vistara flights receive bomb threats; over 70 hoax calls so far Thirteen women candidates are also on the list. Among them is Shrijaya Chavan, the daughter of former Congress leader Ashok Chavan, who joined BJP earlier this year. She will be contesting from Bhokar. In Mumbai, Ram Kadam will contest from Ghatkopar West, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar from Vandre West, Rahul Narwekar from Colaba, and Mangal Prabhat Lodha from Malabar Hill. Mumbai polls schedule Maharashtra's Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with vote counting to take place on November 23. The BJP is aiming to retain power in the state in alliance with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will be up against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress, the NCP(SP), and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction. The MVA is hoping to replicate its success from the Lok Sabha elections, where it won 31 out of the 48 seats in Maharashtra. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP releases first list of 99 candidates for Maharashtra assembly polls: Fadnavis, Bawankule among big names

India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a full-blown attack on the Maharashtra opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and its prominent leaders. Shah called former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray part of the 'Aurangzeb fan club' and while referring to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, Sharad Pawar termed him as the 'ringleader' of corruption in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shah was speaking at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) convention event in the western city of Pune where he criticised Thackeray for forging alliance with leaders that supported terrorists and divisive forces.&nbsp;

"Who are part of the Aurangzeb fan club? Those who serve biryani to Kasab (26/11 terrorist), those who seek clemency for Yakub Memon, those who give (controversial Islamic preacher) Zakir Naik a messenger of peace award and those who support the (banned Islamist outfit) PFI. Uddhav Thackeray should be ashamed of sitting with these people," Shah said.

As for Pawar, the BJP leader did not hold back any punches and called him the face of corruption whilst asserting that BJP-led coalition will win big in the assembly elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They want to win elections by spreading misconceptions. They talk about corruption, but the biggest ringleader of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion when I say this. Sharad Pawar institutionalised corruption in many governments of this country," the senior BJP leader said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-ug-row-maharashtra-police-uncover-neet-ug-racket-in-bihar-735400">Watch |&nbsp;Neet-UG row: Maharashtra police uncover Neet-UG racket in Bihar</a>

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<h2>NCP hits back</h2>

After the scathing attack by Shah, NCP hit back at the BJP by claiming that the saffron party legitimised corruption.&nbsp;

"They accuse political leaders of corruption, and then once those who they accuse join BJP, they are all given a clean chit. This is the BJP's washing machine process of legitimising corruption," NCP&nbsp;national spokesperson Clyde Crasto stated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probationary-ias-officer-puja-khedkar-relieved-from-her-training-duties-741425">Also read |&nbsp;Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s training in Maharashtra put on hold, recalled to Mussoorie academy</a>

Maharashtra goes to polls later this year to elect 288 members of the state's legislative assembly. While the Election Commission is yet to release the dates, it is expected that the ballots will be cast in or before October.&nbsp;

After Uddhav resigned as the CM in 2022, the state assembly is now led by CM Eknath Shinde with Devendra Fadnavis serving as the deputy CM. Meanwhile, Uddhav's Shiv Sena faction has forged an alliance with NCP and the Indian National Congress.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a full-blown attack on the Maharashtra opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and its prominent leaders. Shah called former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray part of the 'Aurangzeb fan club' and while referring to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, Sharad Pawar termed him as the 'ringleader' of corruption in the country.

India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a full-blown attack on the Maharashtra opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and its prominent leaders. Shah called former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray part of the 'Aurangzeb fan club' and while referring to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, Sharad Pawar termed him as the 'ringleader' of corruption in the country. Shah was speaking at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) convention event in the western city of Pune where he criticised Thackeray for forging alliance with leaders that supported terrorists and divisive forces. "Who are part of the Aurangzeb fan club? Those who serve biryani to Kasab (26/11 terrorist), those who seek clemency for Yakub Memon, those who give (controversial Islamic preacher) Zakir Naik a messenger of peace award and those who support the (banned Islamist outfit) PFI. Uddhav Thackeray should be ashamed of sitting with these people," Shah said. As for Pawar, the BJP leader did not hold back any punches and called him the face of corruption whilst asserting that BJP-led coalition will win big in the assembly elections. "They want to win elections by spreading misconceptions. They talk about corruption, but the biggest ringleader of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion when I say this. Sharad Pawar institutionalised corruption in many governments of this country," the senior BJP leader said. Watch | Neet-UG row: Maharashtra police uncover Neet-UG racket in Bihar × NCP hits back After the scathing attack by Shah, NCP hit back at the BJP by claiming that the saffron party legitimised corruption. "They accuse political leaders of corruption, and then once those who they accuse join BJP, they are all given a clean chit. This is the BJP's washing machine process of legitimising corruption," NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto stated. Also read | Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s training in Maharashtra put on hold, recalled to Mussoorie academy Maharashtra goes to polls later this year to elect 288 members of the state's legislative assembly. While the Election Commission is yet to release the dates, it is expected that the ballots will be cast in or before October. After Uddhav resigned as the CM in 2022, the state assembly is now led by CM Eknath Shinde with Devendra Fadnavis serving as the deputy CM. Meanwhile, Uddhav's Shiv Sena faction has forged an alliance with NCP and the Indian National Congress. (With inputs from agencies)

Uddhav leader of ‘Aurangzeb fan club’, Sharad Pawar ’ringleader’ of corruption: Amit Shah tears into MVA

Four prominent leaders have stepped down from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, delivering a significant setback to Ajit Pawar's leadership following the party's underperformance in the recent Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The leaders are expected to join Sharad Pawar's party later this week.

Ajit Gavhane, the chief of NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, is among those leaders who have tendered their resignations to Ajit Pawar.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-scam-accused-who-stole-exam-paper-from-nta-trunk-in-jharkhand-arrested-741451">NEET-UG scam: Accused who stole exam paper from NTA trunk in Jharkhand arrested</a>

The others include Pimpri Chinchwad Students' Wing chief Yash Sane, and former corporators, Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar.

Notably, the resignations come amid a buzz that some leaders in the Ajit Pawar camp are willing to return to the Sharad Pawar fold.

Last month, Sharad Pawar stated that those aiming to undermine his party would not be welcomed, but he would accept leaders who do not tarnish the party's reputation.

"Those who wanted to weaken the party would not be taken in. But those leaders who would help strengthen it and not tarnish the image of the party would be taken in," he had said.

It may be mentioned here, the Pawar family split into two political parties after a revolt by Ajit Pawar against his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar in 2023.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-supreme-court-gets-two-more-judges-the-first-from-state-of-manipur-741427">Indian Supreme Court gets two more judges, the first from state of Manipur</a>

Although Sharad Pawar remained in the Opposition camp, Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and was rewarded with the post of deputy.

Ajit Pawar's party contested the Lok Sabha elections as part of the BJP-led NDA but managed to win only one seat, Raigad, whereas his uncle's party secured eight seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four prominent leaders have stepped down from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, delivering a significant setback to Ajit Pawar's leadership following the party's underperformance in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Four prominent leaders have stepped down from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, delivering a significant setback to Ajit Pawar's leadership following the party's underperformance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The leaders are expected to join Sharad Pawar's party later this week. Ajit Gavhane, the chief of NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, is among those leaders who have tendered their resignations to Ajit Pawar. Also read: NEET-UG scam: Accused who stole exam paper from NTA trunk in Jharkhand arrested The others include Pimpri Chinchwad Students' Wing chief Yash Sane, and former corporators, Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar. Notably, the resignations come amid a buzz that some leaders in the Ajit Pawar camp are willing to return to the Sharad Pawar fold. Last month, Sharad Pawar stated that those aiming to undermine his party would not be welcomed, but he would accept leaders who do not tarnish the party's reputation. "Those who wanted to weaken the party would not be taken in. But those leaders who would help strengthen it and not tarnish the image of the party would be taken in," he had said. It may be mentioned here, the Pawar family split into two political parties after a revolt by Ajit Pawar against his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar in 2023. Also read: Indian Supreme Court gets two more judges, the first from state of Manipur Although Sharad Pawar remained in the Opposition camp, Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and was rewarded with the post of deputy. Ajit Pawar's party contested the Lok Sabha elections as part of the BJP-led NDA but managed to win only one seat, Raigad, whereas his uncle's party secured eight seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Four key leaders resign from Ajit Pawar's party following electoral defeat

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 10) took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar advising the NCP (SP) leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief to join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde after the results of Lok Sabha polls are released instead of "dying by merging" with the Congress.

"A big leader here who is active for 40-50 years is worried after polling in Baramati (Lok Sabha seat). He says that after June 4, smaller parties, in order to survive, will merge with the Congress," PM Modi said in an apparent reference to Pawar without taking his name.

"This means the nakli NCP and nakli Shiv Sena have made up their minds to merge with the Congress," PM Modi said, addressing an election rally in Nandurbar district of north Maharashtra.

"But instead of dying by merging with the Congress, come to Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde," the prime minister exclaimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-back-arvind-kejriwal-receives-warm-welcome-as-he-walks-out-of-jail-on-bail-watch-720161">WATCH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail</a>

<h2>Pawar reacts</h2>

Pawar, reacting to PM Modi's comments said that he will not partner with any person, party or ideology that does not back parliamentary democracy.

"PM Modi's recent speeches have been conducive to creating rifts among communities, which is dangerous for the country. Wherever things are not in the nation's interest, neither I nor my colleagues will venture," he said.

PM Modi's remarks came after the NCP (SP) leader in a recent statement said that factions and regional parties should either come closer or merge with the Congress in the coming years.

"In the next couple of years, several regional parties will associate more closely with the Congress. Or they may look at the option of merging with the Congress if they believe that is the best for their party," NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had told The Indian Express.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 10) took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar advising the NCP (SP) leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief to join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde after the results of Lok Sabha polls are released instead of "dying by merging" with the Congress.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 10) took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar advising the NCP (SP) leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief to join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde after the results of Lok Sabha polls are released instead of "dying by merging" with the Congress. "A big leader here who is active for 40-50 years is worried after polling in Baramati (Lok Sabha seat). He says that after June 4, smaller parties, in order to survive, will merge with the Congress," PM Modi said in an apparent reference to Pawar without taking his name. "This means the nakli NCP and nakli Shiv Sena have made up their minds to merge with the Congress," PM Modi said, addressing an election rally in Nandurbar district of north Maharashtra. "But instead of dying by merging with the Congress, come to Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde," the prime minister exclaimed. Also read: WATCH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail Pawar reacts Pawar, reacting to PM Modi's comments said that he will not partner with any person, party or ideology that does not back parliamentary democracy. "PM Modi's recent speeches have been conducive to creating rifts among communities, which is dangerous for the country. Wherever things are not in the nation's interest, neither I nor my colleagues will venture," he said. PM Modi's remarks came after the NCP (SP) leader in a recent statement said that factions and regional parties should either come closer or merge with the Congress in the coming years. "In the next couple of years, several regional parties will associate more closely with the Congress. Or they may look at the option of merging with the Congress if they believe that is the best for their party," NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had told The Indian Express. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Polls: PM Modi tells Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray to join BJP-led NDA, NCP (SP) leader responds

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 3 Voting:&nbsp;Voters in 93 Lok Sabha constituencies across 10 states and 2 Union Territories will cast their votes&nbsp;on May 7 during the third phase of India's seven-phase General Elections. From Etawah-Mainpuri stronghold of Samajwadi Party's founding family to Baramati in Maharashtra, the battle for the strongholds of some of India's most noted and voted politicians&nbsp;is being keenly watched.&nbsp;

By the evening of May 7, Indians across 283 of India's 543 Lok Sabha seats would have cast their votes.

This is quite the middle of India's heated election summer. Here's what the bastions of top politicians across multiple states look like.&nbsp;

<h2>Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dharwad, Haveri, Gulbarga, and more</h2>

Of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies going to polls in the third phase of voting on May 7, the keenly watched contests remain in Dharwad (Pralhad Joshi), Haveri (Basavaraj Bommai) and Gulbarga (Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's stronghold).&nbsp;<img alt="Radha Krishna Doddamani during a press conference in Kalaburgi | X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9cfe3494-e344-47a7-b342-2c933cce86a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RadhakrishnaDoddamani.png" />

Radha Krishna Doddamani (extreme right) during a press conference in Kalaburgi | X

Speaking to WION, Congress candidate from Gulbarga&nbsp;Radhakrishna Doddamani expressed confidence about his victory. Asked if he got enough support from central leadership in New Delhi for canvassing in Gulbarga, Doddamani said that his supporters are "comfortable" and that they will post a win for the Congress on June 4.&nbsp;

<h2>Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Rajgarh, Guna, Vidisha and more</h2>

Voters across nine Lok Sabha constituencies in central Madhya Pradesh state will be eligible to cast their vote on May 7. Eight of these constituencies, namely Bhind, Betul, Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Sagar and Vidisha, are currently the strongholds of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

<h2>Rajgarh Lok Sabha constituency&nbsp;</h2>

Congress party has fielded former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior leader Digvijaya Singh from Rajgarh Lok Sabha constituency. While the BJP has won up to 65 per cent vote share from the constituency in the last two Lok Sabha polls from here, the Congress party workers upped the ante for former CM in the constituency, making it a keenly watched contest in the state.

Notably, Singh lost his last Lok Sabha election to the BJP's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in 2019 from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;

<h2>Guna Lok Sabha constituency</h2>

Guna, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior-Chambal region, has been represented by three generations of the Scindia family in the past 37 years. But in 2019, then Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia's winning streak that began in 2002 came to an end as the Scindia bastion fell to the BJP under PM Modi. But after moving to the ruling party in March 2020, Scindia is seeking a place in Lok Sabha from Guna yet again.&nbsp;<img alt="BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia in Guna | X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78001c5a-1d46-42dd-98ce-37e10526fc02" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Guna.png" />

BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia in Guna | X

Scindia is facing Congress party's Rao Yadavendra Singh Yadav from Guna.&nbsp;

<h2>Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency</h2>

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has returned to contest from the constituency he represent for four terms between 1991 and 2006. The constituency is considered a definite saffron stronghold with the legacy of leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Sushma Swaraj who were its representatives in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;<img alt="BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan | X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26c666af-f290-4659-a40e-55490bc137f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Vidisha.png" />

BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan | X

BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan is up against the Congress Party's Pratap Bhanu Sharma, one of the only two non-BJP leaders to have ever won a Lok Sabha election from Vidisha.&nbsp;

<h2>Gujarat Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Gandhinagar, Porbandar, and more</h2>

Voters across all 26 Lok Sabha constituencies of&nbsp;western India's Gujarat, home state to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will vote on May 7 in the third phase of elections.&nbsp;

The BJP won all 26 Lok Sabha seats of Gujarat in the Lok Sabha elections of 2014 and 2019.

Not just that, during the state assembly elections in December 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-election-results-2022-bjp-records-biggest-ever-win-in-modis-home-turf-541178">BJP won 156 of 182 seats</a>&nbsp;in what became the seventh term in power for the party.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is contesting from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, a constituency once held by the BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani. Besides, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya is a BJP candidate from Porbandar Lok Sabha seat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

<h2>Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Baramati, Satara, and more</h2>

One of the most keenly watched contests in India's ongoing election summer is the battle for the Pawar bastion of Baramati in Maharashtra. Baramati is among the 11 constituencies in Maharashtra that go to poll in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 7.

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इंदापूर येथे आदरणीय पवार साहेबांच्या प्रमुख उपस्थितीत आयोजित प्रचारसभेला उपस्थित राहून उपस्थितांशी संवाद साधला. या सभेला अनिल जी देशमुख, सुनील जी केदार, शिरुर लोकसभा मतदारसंघातील उमेदवार व माझे सहकारी डॉ. अमोल कोल्हे, आमदार रोहित पवार, भूषणसिंह राजे होळकर, राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेसचे… <a href="https://t.co/nui4N0hIFc">pic.twitter.com/nui4N0hIFc</a>
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) <a href="https://twitter.com/supriya_sule/status/1787090966261686747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Supriya Sule, the three-time Member of Parliament from Baramati, is seeking re-election. Sule is up against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar. In&nbsp;a first for over 2.3 million electorate of Baramati,&nbsp;the three-time MP and Sharad&nbsp;Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is taking on Sunetra Pawar, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who split the National Congress Party (NCP) to join&nbsp;the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance last year.

The fight in Baramati&nbsp;is as much about the Pawars, as about power.

In Satara, which again is a stronghold of Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shashikant Shinde is up against former NCP leader-turned BJP-candidate Udayanraje Bhosale.

<h2>Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections: Badaun, Mainpuri, Firozabad, and more</h2>

Voters across 13 Lok Sabha seats of Uttar Pradesh will also cast their votes on May 7. But the day is particularly crucial for Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party, the principal opposition party in Uttar Pradesh, India's most politically influential state that sends maximum lawmakers to the parliament.&nbsp;<img alt="Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav | X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d16a919b-7d8e-4bc8-9664-f8a130355dd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AkhileshYadav%20%282%29.png" />

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav | X

Aditya Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav's cousin and the son of his once estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav,&nbsp;is looking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Badaun, a seat which has traditionally been an&nbsp;SP&nbsp;stronghold.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-what-akhilesh-is-doing-to-make-a-yadav-win-in-samajwadi-partys-strongholds-697587">Battle of the Bastions: What Akhilesh is doing to make Yadavs win in Samajwadi Party strongholds</a>

But under PM Modi, the BJP's Sanghamitra Maurya managed to end SP's winning streak in Badaun in 2019.

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जुगनू कभी रोशनी के मोहताज नहीं होते, 
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This time, the saffron party has fielded Durvijay Sakya to take on SP debutant Aditya Yadav.

In Mainpuri, a constituency previously&nbsp;by the Samajwadi Party patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav is seeking re-election. Dimple is up against the BJP's&nbsp;Jaiveer Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party's Shiv Prasad Yadav.&nbsp;

Akshay Yadav, another Akhilesh Yadav cousin, is seeking election from Firozabad Lok Sabha constituency from where he lost in 2019 while seeking re-election. Firozabad, a&nbsp;constituency once held by actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar, is witnessing a battle beween Akshay and&nbsp;BJP's Vishwadeep Singh.

The counting of votes is scheduled to begin on June 4. For all the latest developments related to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/lok-sabha-election-2024">Lok Sabha Elections 2024</a>, stay tuned with WION, World Is One News.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 3 Voting: Voters in 93 Lok Sabha constituencies across 10 states and 2 Union Territories will cast their votes on May 7 during the third phase of India's seven-phase General Elections.

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 3 Voting: Voters in 93 Lok Sabha constituencies across 10 states and 2 Union Territories will cast their votes on May 7 during the third phase of India's seven-phase General Elections. From Etawah-Mainpuri stronghold of Samajwadi Party's founding family to Baramati in Maharashtra, the battle for the strongholds of some of India's most noted and voted politicians is being keenly watched. By the evening of May 7, Indians across 283 of India's 543 Lok Sabha seats would have cast their votes. This is quite the middle of India's heated election summer. Here's what the bastions of top politicians across multiple states look like. Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dharwad, Haveri, Gulbarga, and more Of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies going to polls in the third phase of voting on May 7, the keenly watched contests remain in Dharwad (Pralhad Joshi), Haveri (Basavaraj Bommai) and Gulbarga (Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's stronghold). Radha Krishna Doddamani (extreme right) during a press conference in Kalaburgi | X Speaking to WION, Congress candidate from Gulbarga Radhakrishna Doddamani expressed confidence about his victory. Asked if he got enough support from central leadership in New Delhi for canvassing in Gulbarga, Doddamani said that his supporters are "comfortable" and that they will post a win for the Congress on June 4. Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Rajgarh, Guna, Vidisha and more Voters across nine Lok Sabha constituencies in central Madhya Pradesh state will be eligible to cast their vote on May 7. Eight of these constituencies, namely Bhind, Betul, Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Sagar and Vidisha, are currently the strongholds of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Rajgarh Lok Sabha constituency Congress party has fielded former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior leader Digvijaya Singh from Rajgarh Lok Sabha constituency. While the BJP has won up to 65 per cent vote share from the constituency in the last two Lok Sabha polls from here, the Congress party workers upped the ante for former CM in the constituency, making it a keenly watched contest in the state. Notably, Singh lost his last Lok Sabha election to the BJP's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in 2019 from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat. Guna Lok Sabha constituency Guna, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior-Chambal region, has been represented by three generations of the Scindia family in the past 37 years. But in 2019, then Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia's winning streak that began in 2002 came to an end as the Scindia bastion fell to the BJP under PM Modi. But after moving to the ruling party in March 2020, Scindia is seeking a place in Lok Sabha from Guna yet again. BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia in Guna | X Scindia is facing Congress party's Rao Yadavendra Singh Yadav from Guna. Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has returned to contest from the constituency he represent for four terms between 1991 and 2006. The constituency is considered a definite saffron stronghold with the legacy of leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Sushma Swaraj who were its representatives in Lok Sabha. BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan | X BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan is up against the Congress Party's Pratap Bhanu Sharma, one of the only two non-BJP leaders to have ever won a Lok Sabha election from Vidisha. Gujarat Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Gandhinagar, Porbandar, and more Voters across all 26 Lok Sabha constituencies of western India's Gujarat, home state to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will vote on May 7 in the third phase of elections. The BJP won all 26 Lok Sabha seats of Gujarat in the Lok Sabha elections of 2014 and 2019. Not just that, during the state assembly elections in December 2022, the BJP won 156 of 182 seats in what became the seventh term in power for the party. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is contesting from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, a constituency once held by the BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani. Besides, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya is a BJP candidate from Porbandar Lok Sabha seat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Baramati, Satara, and more One of the most keenly watched contests in India's ongoing election summer is the battle for the Pawar bastion of Baramati in Maharashtra. Baramati is among the 11 constituencies in Maharashtra that go to poll in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 7. इंदापूर येथे आदरणीय पवार साहेबांच्या प्रमुख उपस्थितीत आयोजित प्रचारसभेला उपस्थित राहून उपस्थितांशी संवाद साधला. या सभेला अनिल जी देशमुख, सुनील जी केदार, शिरुर लोकसभा मतदारसंघातील उमेदवार व माझे सहकारी डॉ. अमोल कोल्हे, आमदार रोहित पवार, भूषणसिंह राजे होळकर, राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेसचे… pic.twitter.com/nui4N0hIFc — Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) May 5, 2024 × Supriya Sule, the three-time Member of Parliament from Baramati, is seeking re-election. Sule is up against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar. In a first for over 2.3 million electorate of Baramati, the three-time MP and Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is taking on Sunetra Pawar, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who split the National Congress Party (NCP) to join the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance last year. The fight in Baramati is as much about the Pawars, as about power. In Satara, which again is a stronghold of Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shashikant Shinde is up against former NCP leader-turned BJP-candidate Udayanraje Bhosale. Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections: Badaun, Mainpuri, Firozabad, and more Voters across 13 Lok Sabha seats of Uttar Pradesh will also cast their votes on May 7. But the day is particularly crucial for Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party, the principal opposition party in Uttar Pradesh, India's most politically influential state that sends maximum lawmakers to the parliament. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav | X Aditya Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav's cousin and the son of his once estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav, is looking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Badaun, a seat which has traditionally been an SP stronghold. Also read | Battle of the Bastions: What Akhilesh is doing to make Yadavs win in Samajwadi Party strongholds But under PM Modi, the BJP's Sanghamitra Maurya managed to end SP's winning streak in Badaun in 2019. जुगनू कभी रोशनी के मोहताज नहीं होते, बिना मेहनत के हासिल तख्तो ताज नहीं होते। बबराला, गुन्नौर, लोकसभा बदायूं में जनसभा में शामिल हुआ। pic.twitter.com/evWKVrefpm — Aditya Yadav (@socialistaditya) May 4, 2024 × This time, the saffron party has fielded Durvijay Sakya to take on SP debutant Aditya Yadav. In Mainpuri, a constituency previously by the Samajwadi Party patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav is seeking re-election. Dimple is up against the BJP's Jaiveer Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party's Shiv Prasad Yadav. Akshay Yadav, another Akhilesh Yadav cousin, is seeking election from Firozabad Lok Sabha constituency from where he lost in 2019 while seeking re-election. Firozabad, a constituency once held by actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar, is witnessing a battle beween Akshay and BJP's Vishwadeep Singh. The counting of votes is scheduled to begin on June 4. For all the latest developments related to Lok Sabha Elections 2024, stay tuned with WION, World Is One News.

Battle of the Bastions: From Scindia power in Guna to Baramati’s Pawar play, poll summer faces heat of turfs

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) on Thursday released its&nbsp;manifesto, named, 'Shapath Patra' for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. 
NCP (SCP)&nbsp;manifesto&nbsp;promised a reduction in prices of LPG gas, petrol and diesel. It also promised strict laws on women's safety, and filling the vacant positions in government.

Releasing the party's&nbsp;manifesto, NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar hit back at the BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks that "Sharad Pawar should apologise for the farmers" suicide when he was Agriculture Minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-phase-2-live-updates-india-to-vote-amid-intense-heat-wave-warning-715017">Click here to follow all updates on the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024</a>

"In the last ten years, farmers' suicides have increased. Amit Shah should first tell what he has done to stop suicides in the last ten years," Pawar said.

On the occasion, NCP (SCP) leader Jayant Patil said, "We are releasing our&nbsp;manifesto&nbsp;today, our leaders will raise these issues in the parliament. Our&nbsp;manifesto&nbsp;name is 'Shapath Patra'. Inflation is on the rise, farmers are in a bad state, and unemployment is at its peak."

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On Prime Minister Modi's statement that Congress wants to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among "those having more children", Pawar said,

"People expect that the PM of the nation should be for all irrespective of caste religion language etc. In a speech, he tried to take a different stand about minorities in the nation.

"During the election campaign, we will take his angle among the people and will try to make people understand that his view can hurt the unity of the nation and should be condemned," he added.

The next four phases of elections will take place in Maharashtra on April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20.

The state, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh (80).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 contested seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena secured 18 out of 23 seats.

The undivided NCP, part of the opposition alliance, contested 19 seats and won four in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Following the split in the Shiva Sena 2022, the Eknath Shinde faction aligned with the BJP.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) on Thursday released its manifesto, named, 'Shapath Patra' for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. NCP (SCP) manifesto promised a reduction in prices of LPG gas, petrol and diesel.

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) on Thursday released its manifesto, named, 'Shapath Patra' for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. NCP (SCP) manifesto promised a reduction in prices of LPG gas, petrol and diesel. It also promised strict laws on women's safety, and filling the vacant positions in government. Releasing the party's manifesto, NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar hit back at the BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks that "Sharad Pawar should apologise for the farmers" suicide when he was Agriculture Minister. Click here to follow all updates on the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 "In the last ten years, farmers' suicides have increased. Amit Shah should first tell what he has done to stop suicides in the last ten years," Pawar said. On the occasion, NCP (SCP) leader Jayant Patil said, "We are releasing our manifesto today, our leaders will raise these issues in the parliament. Our manifesto name is 'Shapath Patra'. Inflation is on the rise, farmers are in a bad state, and unemployment is at its peak." #WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar releases party's manifesto, for Lok Sabha elections. https://t.co/AkUtVjm5qK pic.twitter.com/endlJcTRzt — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024 × On Prime Minister Modi's statement that Congress wants to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among "those having more children", Pawar said, "People expect that the PM of the nation should be for all irrespective of caste religion language etc. In a speech, he tried to take a different stand about minorities in the nation. "During the election campaign, we will take his angle among the people and will try to make people understand that his view can hurt the unity of the nation and should be condemned," he added. The next four phases of elections will take place in Maharashtra on April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The state, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh (80). In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 contested seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena secured 18 out of 23 seats. The undivided NCP, part of the opposition alliance, contested 19 seats and won four in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Following the split in the Shiva Sena 2022, the Eknath Shinde faction aligned with the BJP.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Sharad Pawar's NCP releases manifesto

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis on Friday declined Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s lunch invite at the latter’s Baramati residence on Saturday.

'Pawar' battle for Baramati in Maharashtra: Sunetra Pawar to contest against her sister-in-law

The Ajit Pawar faction was on Thursday (March 14) questioned by the Supreme Court over&nbsp;using veteran leader Sharad Pawar's images for campaigning.

Officially recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Ajit Pawar group was asked to file an undertaking by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that they would neither directly nor indirectly use the name of Sharad Pawar.

It also suggested the Ajit Pawar group to use a symbol other than the 'clock' for elections so that there is no confusion.

The bench told counsel appearing for Ajit Pawar faction, "You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. Now stick to this. Why to use his (Sharad Pawar) picture... Go with your own identity now..."

The top court further issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar faction seeking reply by March 16 on an application filed by the Sharad Pawar group over 'misuse' of name, and pictures in order to appeal to voters.

The Supreme Court fixed the date&nbsp;for further hearing on the application for&nbsp;March 19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-nation-one-election-here-are-the-recommendations-ram-nath-kovind-panel-made-in-its-report-699965">'One nation, one election': Ram Nath Kovind panel puts forward recommendations in its report</a>

During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was appearing for the Sharad Pawar faction told the bench about the posters that were on display by the Ajit Pawar faction with the 'clock' symbol and an image of Sharad Pawar.

"This is blatant patent deception, riding piggyback on my goodwill," Singhvi said.&nbsp;

He then claimed, "Democracy, fair and free elections, are part of the basic structure. If they are so confident to win the elections, then let them do that on their own."

To this, Justice Kant questioned senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the Ajit Pawar group as to why the faction was using Sharad Pawar's photographs. "If you are so confident, then use your photographs," the court said.

Singh responded claiming that this wasn't done by the party but by some stray members.

The bench told Singh, "Then who is responsible? You give an undertaking that you will stop all your members from using his (Sharad Pawar) photo... It is for you to control your workers."

"We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name and pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used," the bench further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ajit Pawar faction was on Thursday (March 14) questioned by the Supreme Court over using veteran leader Sharad Pawar's images for campaigning. Officially recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Ajit Pawar group was asked to file an undertaking by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that they would neither directly nor indirectly use the name of Sharad Pawar.

The Ajit Pawar faction was on Thursday (March 14) questioned by the Supreme Court over using veteran leader Sharad Pawar's images for campaigning. Officially recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Ajit Pawar group was asked to file an undertaking by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan that they would neither directly nor indirectly use the name of Sharad Pawar. It also suggested the Ajit Pawar group to use a symbol other than the 'clock' for elections so that there is no confusion. The bench told counsel appearing for Ajit Pawar faction, "You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. Now stick to this. Why to use his (Sharad Pawar) picture... Go with your own identity now..." The top court further issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar faction seeking reply by March 16 on an application filed by the Sharad Pawar group over 'misuse' of name, and pictures in order to appeal to voters. The Supreme Court fixed the date for further hearing on the application for March 19. Also read: 'One nation, one election': Ram Nath Kovind panel puts forward recommendations in its report During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was appearing for the Sharad Pawar faction told the bench about the posters that were on display by the Ajit Pawar faction with the 'clock' symbol and an image of Sharad Pawar. "This is blatant patent deception, riding piggyback on my goodwill," Singhvi said. He then claimed, "Democracy, fair and free elections, are part of the basic structure. If they are so confident to win the elections, then let them do that on their own." To this, Justice Kant questioned senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the Ajit Pawar group as to why the faction was using Sharad Pawar's photographs. "If you are so confident, then use your photographs," the court said. Singh responded claiming that this wasn't done by the party but by some stray members. The bench told Singh, "Then who is responsible? You give an undertaking that you will stop all your members from using his (Sharad Pawar) photo... It is for you to control your workers." "We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name and pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used," the bench further said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Stick to your identity': Supreme Court pulls up Ajit Pawar faction for using Sharad Pawar's images

‘Won’t be possible’: Maharashtra CM to skip Sharad Pawar's lunch

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar on Thursday extended an invitation to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, and the two deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on Saturday when the state leadership will visit the constituency to inaugurate several developmental projects.

Sharad Pawar invites rivals for lunch at his residence at Baramati

The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar.

Pawar said it has never happened in the past that the founder himself was removed from the party. Pawar also said the decision of the ECI was against the law and he had approached the Supreme Court of India (SCI) to get the ECI order nullified.

"It has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from the party. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. We have approached the Supreme Court in this matter. We will need to increase our public outreach," news agency ANI quoted Sharad Pawar as saying.

<h2>Sharad Pawar attacks nephew Ajit</h2>

Earlier on Friday (Feb 16), Sharad Pawar criticised nephew Ajit for going on a “different path”. He said he was not worried about losing the NCP name and symbol to him but didn’t approve of his ‘deviation’ from the path.

"But some of our colleagues deviated from this path. Some took away the party, some took away the symbol. I never worry about all this. Some people chose to go on a different path by forsaking ideology but people did not appreciate this move," he asserted while addressing a public meeting in Satara.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0kDBZaPGYM-jt_jeO9zvK3" data-ved="2ahUKEwi13O_KnrKEAxX7wzgGHe6MAC4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-speaker-affirms-ajit-pawar-faction-as-real-ncp-rejects-disqualification-appeals-for-both-sides-690656" jsname="YKoRaf">Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides</a>

Sharad Pawar added that power comes and goes but ideology, policies and the thought to take the country forward are permanent.

<h2>Pawar approaches Supreme Court</h2>

Pawar has also approached the SC for an urgent hearing against the ECI order of allotting the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction.

Watch:&nbsp;India Farmers Protest: Situation tense in areas bordering New Delhi

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The decision to identify the Ajit faction as the real NCP was also upheld by Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.

Pawar-led NCP split into two factions in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and eight state legislators joined the alliance backed by the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

(With inputs from agencies)

The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar.

The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar. Pawar said it has never happened in the past that the founder himself was removed from the party. Pawar also said the decision of the ECI was against the law and he had approached the Supreme Court of India (SCI) to get the ECI order nullified. "It has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from the party. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. We have approached the Supreme Court in this matter. We will need to increase our public outreach," news agency ANI quoted Sharad Pawar as saying. Sharad Pawar attacks nephew Ajit Earlier on Friday (Feb 16), Sharad Pawar criticised nephew Ajit for going on a “different path”. He said he was not worried about losing the NCP name and symbol to him but didn’t approve of his ‘deviation’ from the path. "But some of our colleagues deviated from this path. Some took away the party, some took away the symbol. I never worry about all this. Some people chose to go on a different path by forsaking ideology but people did not appreciate this move," he asserted while addressing a public meeting in Satara. Also read: Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides Sharad Pawar added that power comes and goes but ideology, policies and the thought to take the country forward are permanent. Pawar approaches Supreme Court Pawar has also approached the SC for an urgent hearing against the ECI order of allotting the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction. Watch: India Farmers Protest: Situation tense in areas bordering New Delhi × The decision to identify the Ajit faction as the real NCP was also upheld by Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Pawar-led NCP split into two factions in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and eight state legislators joined the alliance backed by the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Never happened before in India,’ NCP founder Sharad Pawar reacts after losing party name, symbol to nephew

The Election Commission approved a new name for Sharad Pawar's NCP faction —&nbsp;Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar. Earlier, the senior Pawar faction had submitted three options for a new name to the Election Commission of India.

The group also expressed its preference for the banyan tree as its new symbol. The three names suggested by the Sharad Pawar group were Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar and Nationalist Congress Party Sharadrao Pawar.

The organisation desired to keep the initials of its founder and seasoned leader, Sharad Pawar, together with the words "Nationalist" and "Congress" in its new moniker. Additionally, the faction intends to adopt the banyan tree as its new emblem, signifying harmony, sturdiness, and longevity.

The Election Commission had asked the Sharad Pawar group to claim a new name and provide three preferences by Wednesday 4 pm, as the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra is to be issued on February 8. Meanwhile, the Sharad Pawar group has challenged the Election Commission’s decision to recognise the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP and allot it the clock symbol in the Supreme Court.

The Election Commission is prejudiced and swayed by the ruling BJP at the Centre, alleged leaders of the Sharad Pawar faction.&nbsp;They claim&nbsp;that the Ajit Pawar faction has falsified documents and signatures in order to claim ownership of the NCP name and symbol.

The NCP split into two factions after Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, rebelled against him and joined hands with the government in Maharashtra in November 2023.

Earlier also Ajit Pawar had rebelled but eventually rejoined the NCP and backed the Congress and Shiv Sena in forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission approved a new name for Sharad Pawar's NCP faction — Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar. Earlier, the senior Pawar faction had submitted three options for a new name to the Election Commission of India.

The Election Commission approved a new name for Sharad Pawar's NCP faction — Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar. Earlier, the senior Pawar faction had submitted three options for a new name to the Election Commission of India. The group also expressed its preference for the banyan tree as its new symbol. The three names suggested by the Sharad Pawar group were Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar and Nationalist Congress Party Sharadrao Pawar. The organisation desired to keep the initials of its founder and seasoned leader, Sharad Pawar, together with the words "Nationalist" and "Congress" in its new moniker. Additionally, the faction intends to adopt the banyan tree as its new emblem, signifying harmony, sturdiness, and longevity. The Election Commission had asked the Sharad Pawar group to claim a new name and provide three preferences by Wednesday 4 pm, as the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra is to be issued on February 8. Meanwhile, the Sharad Pawar group has challenged the Election Commission’s decision to recognise the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP and allot it the clock symbol in the Supreme Court. The Election Commission is prejudiced and swayed by the ruling BJP at the Centre, alleged leaders of the Sharad Pawar faction. They claim that the Ajit Pawar faction has falsified documents and signatures in order to claim ownership of the NCP name and symbol. The NCP split into two factions after Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, rebelled against him and joined hands with the government in Maharashtra in November 2023. Earlier also Ajit Pawar had rebelled but eventually rejoined the NCP and backed the Congress and Shiv Sena in forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Sharad Pawar’s faction gets a new name after losing ‘real NCP’ identity

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (February 6) ruled that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is the real party. The decision is a setback to the party's founder&nbsp;and veteran politician Sharad Pawar who is the uncle of Ajit Pawar.

The name 'Nationalist Congress Party' and the electoral symbol has been given to Ajit Pawar faction.

The ECI however, has given Sharad Pawar faction a one-time option to claim name for a new political formation the veteran politician may want to form. But if he wants to do that, it will have to be done by 3 pm on February 7.

The latest decision from the ECI came after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months.&nbsp;

<h2>What has ECI said?</h2>

Explaining its decision, the poll panel said the verdict was given after laid-out tests of the maintainability of the petition. These included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, tests of a majority both organisational and legislative and test of party constitution.

Watch | Uttarakhand government tables UCC bill

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The hearings began on July 1, 2023. Both, the Ajit Pawar faction (petitioner) and Sharad Pawar faction (respondent), had fielded strong legal teams. Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Maninder Singh represented Ajit Pawar side while Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Devdatt Kamat were in the senior Pawar's corner.

The poll panel said that serious inconsistencies were found in terms of timeline in claims made by Sharad Pawar group when is sought to assert that it had the organisational majority. This, said ECI, made the claim untenable.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-presents-proof-of-ballot-paper-tampering-by-bjp-in-chandigarh-mayor-elections-687539">AAP presents 'proof' of ballot paper tampering by BJP in Chandigarh mayor elections</a>

The election commission said in its order that perhaps time has come for political parties to consider "voluntary wider public disclosures of party constitution, amendments thereof, if any internal electoral steps such as publication of electoral college, dates of elections, time and venue of elections of different tiers, candidates, compliant redressal mechanisms within their organizations, and list of elected office bearers, etc."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lok-sabha-report-urges-diplomatic-action-against-pakistans-terrorism-support-687407">Lok Sabha report urges diplomatic action against Pakistan for supporting terrorism</a>

"Such disclosures on their websites shall keep the most valuable stakeholder of electoral democracy, that is the electorate at large duly informed," the poll panel said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (February 6) ruled that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is the real party.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (February 6) ruled that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is the real party. The decision is a setback to the party's founder and veteran politician Sharad Pawar who is the uncle of Ajit Pawar. The name 'Nationalist Congress Party' and the electoral symbol has been given to Ajit Pawar faction. The ECI however, has given Sharad Pawar faction a one-time option to claim name for a new political formation the veteran politician may want to form. But if he wants to do that, it will have to be done by 3 pm on February 7. The latest decision from the ECI came after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months. What has ECI said? Explaining its decision, the poll panel said the verdict was given after laid-out tests of the maintainability of the petition. These included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, tests of a majority both organisational and legislative and test of party constitution. Watch | Uttarakhand government tables UCC bill × The hearings began on July 1, 2023. Both, the Ajit Pawar faction (petitioner) and Sharad Pawar faction (respondent), had fielded strong legal teams. Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Maninder Singh represented Ajit Pawar side while Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Devdatt Kamat were in the senior Pawar's corner. The poll panel said that serious inconsistencies were found in terms of timeline in claims made by Sharad Pawar group when is sought to assert that it had the organisational majority. This, said ECI, made the claim untenable. Also Read | AAP presents 'proof' of ballot paper tampering by BJP in Chandigarh mayor elections The election commission said in its order that perhaps time has come for political parties to consider "voluntary wider public disclosures of party constitution, amendments thereof, if any internal electoral steps such as publication of electoral college, dates of elections, time and venue of elections of different tiers, candidates, compliant redressal mechanisms within their organizations, and list of elected office bearers, etc." Also Read | Lok Sabha report urges diplomatic action against Pakistan for supporting terrorism "Such disclosures on their websites shall keep the most valuable stakeholder of electoral democracy, that is the electorate at large duly informed," the poll panel said. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar faction is the real NCP, rules ECI

The raging family fued between Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar has resulted in a major victory for the latter. The Election Commission has declared Ajit's faction as the real NCP after he led a rebellion in July 2023.

Ajit Pawar is the real NCP, says Election Commission

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