NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government and added that the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well.

Pawar comments came even 15 days after the Assembly poll verdict handed Shiv Sena-BJP enough seats to cobble up a coalition government.

The BJP, which won 105 seats, and the Shiv Sena, which bagged 56 seats, are locked in a bitter tussle over sharing of the chief minister's post and ministerial portfolios in the new government.&nbsp;

They won 161 seats together in the 288-member House, much above the halfway mark of 145.

Besides, the opposition NCP won 54 seats while the Congress got 44 seats.

''Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government. This is what Ramdas Athawale ji (RPI Chief) and I have discussed and we agreed on this point. Also, the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well,'' Sharad Pawar said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government and added that the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government and added that the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well. Pawar comments came even 15 days after the Assembly poll verdict handed Shiv Sena-BJP enough seats to cobble up a coalition government. The BJP, which won 105 seats, and the Shiv Sena, which bagged 56 seats, are locked in a bitter tussle over sharing of the chief minister's post and ministerial portfolios in the new government. They won 161 seats together in the 288-member House, much above the halfway mark of 145. Besides, the opposition NCP won 54 seats while the Congress got 44 seats. ''Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government. This is what Ramdas Athawale ji (RPI Chief) and I have discussed and we agreed on this point. Also, the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well,'' Sharad Pawar said.

Delay in govt formation is affecting state economically: Sharad Pawar

A pre-poll alliance not able to form the government despite securing an absolute majority raises several questions over the principles on which the coalition was built. This does not augur well for the functioning of democracy as the message going down to the masses is that more than the good governance; the alliance was largely interested in the power and pelf. What should have taken just a day for the BJP and Shiv Sena to form a government in Maharashtra has stretched almost to a fortnight with both the parties struggling to come to terms since the election results were announced.

The two parties have been sharing love-hate relationship since they entered into an alliance first in 1989 for the Lok Sabha as well as Maharashtra state elections. The bromance did not last long and both the parties parted ways in 2014 over bitter differences regarding seat sharing. Both the BJP and Shiv Sena went to polls independently with none garnering enough seats to form a government on its own. Shiv Sena, which misread the pulse of the voters, contested in 282 of the 288 assembly seats winning only 63. The BJP, which contested lesser number of seats (260), emerged as the single largest party winning 122 seats. The Sena, which had then claimed to play the role of the opposition, soon had a change of heart and within two months kissed and patched up with the BJP to join the government in the state in December 2014.

Then again in January 2018, Shiv Sena raised the banner of revolt and announced to contest all future elections, including the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and Maharashtra assembly elections, alone. But by the time the 2019 general elections approached, it made a U-turn and announced the alliance with the BJP in February 2019 for the general elections as well as Maharashtra state assembly elections despite publicly huffing and puffing. In fact, Shiv Sena has been the shrillest opposition of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the last few years with its leaders questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi government at the centre and Devendra Fadnavis in the state over several issues. If the Shiv Sena revels in acting as an opposition party despite being in the government, it should have fought the elections independently and not enter into an unholy nexus.

Shiv Sena, which largely draws its strength from the Maratha community, has failed to replicate its success in 1995 when it contested 169 seats and won 73. It has not been able to penetrate in rural areas where its success rate is not too impressive. But it is driven by personal ambition to rule the state on its own. This explains the reason behind Shiv Sena’s demand for a 50:50 formula and rotation of chief minister post even though it won almost half of the seats in comparison to the BJP in the just-concluded elections. While the BJP bagged 105 seats, the Shiv Sena won 56, closely followed by National Congress Party (54) and the Congress 44 seats.

Though both the parties together have 161 seats, way past the half-way mark of 144, the Sena is playing hardball by demanding an equal share in the ministry besides the chief ministerial post for half the term largely due to the BJP’s tally dipping from 122 in the last assembly elections. With November 9 being the deadline by which time the government has to be sworn in otherwise the state will be headed to President’s rule, it remains to be seen which of the two saffron parties blinks first or will they go separate ways.

Politics is an unfamiliar territory where strange bedfellows become welcome friends. With so much of heartburn and mud-slinging from both sides, who knows Shiv Sena may well spring a surprise and realise its dream by coaxing the NCP and Congress to do the unimaginable. Only time will tell.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A pre-poll alliance not able to form the government despite securing an absolute majority raises several questions over the principles on which the coalition was built.

A pre-poll alliance not able to form the government despite securing an absolute majority raises several questions over the principles on which the coalition was built. This does not augur well for the functioning of democracy as the message going down to the masses is that more than the good governance; the alliance was largely interested in the power and pelf. What should have taken just a day for the BJP and Shiv Sena to form a government in Maharashtra has stretched almost to a fortnight with both the parties struggling to come to terms since the election results were announced. The two parties have been sharing love-hate relationship since they entered into an alliance first in 1989 for the Lok Sabha as well as Maharashtra state elections. The bromance did not last long and both the parties parted ways in 2014 over bitter differences regarding seat sharing. Both the BJP and Shiv Sena went to polls independently with none garnering enough seats to form a government on its own. Shiv Sena, which misread the pulse of the voters, contested in 282 of the 288 assembly seats winning only 63. The BJP, which contested lesser number of seats (260), emerged as the single largest party winning 122 seats. The Sena, which had then claimed to play the role of the opposition, soon had a change of heart and within two months kissed and patched up with the BJP to join the government in the state in December 2014. Then again in January 2018, Shiv Sena raised the banner of revolt and announced to contest all future elections, including the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and Maharashtra assembly elections, alone. But by the time the 2019 general elections approached, it made a U-turn and announced the alliance with the BJP in February 2019 for the general elections as well as Maharashtra state assembly elections despite publicly huffing and puffing. In fact, Shiv Sena has been the shrillest opposition of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the last few years with its leaders questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi government at the centre and Devendra Fadnavis in the state over several issues. If the Shiv Sena revels in acting as an opposition party despite being in the government, it should have fought the elections independently and not enter into an unholy nexus. Shiv Sena, which largely draws its strength from the Maratha community, has failed to replicate its success in 1995 when it contested 169 seats and won 73. It has not been able to penetrate in rural areas where its success rate is not too impressive. But it is driven by personal ambition to rule the state on its own. This explains the reason behind Shiv Sena’s demand for a 50:50 formula and rotation of chief minister post even though it won almost half of the seats in comparison to the BJP in the just-concluded elections. While the BJP bagged 105 seats, the Shiv Sena won 56, closely followed by National Congress Party (54) and the Congress 44 seats. Though both the parties together have 161 seats, way past the half-way mark of 144, the Sena is playing hardball by demanding an equal share in the ministry besides the chief ministerial post for half the term largely due to the BJP’s tally dipping from 122 in the last assembly elections. With November 9 being the deadline by which time the government has to be sworn in otherwise the state will be headed to President’s rule, it remains to be seen which of the two saffron parties blinks first or will they go separate ways. Politics is an unfamiliar territory where strange bedfellows become welcome friends. With so much of heartburn and mud-slinging from both sides, who knows Shiv Sena may well spring a surprise and realise its dream by coaxing the NCP and Congress to do the unimaginable. Only time will tell. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Maharashtra government formation: The changing equations between BJP and Shiv Sena

Reiterating his stance that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has numbers only to sit in Opposition, party Chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday denied the possibility of forging an alliance with Shiv Sena to form the government.

He said that BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate and they should form the government."I do not have anything to say yet. BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate of people, so they should form the government as soon as possible. Our mandate is to play the role of Opposition," said Sharad Pawar while addressing a press conference here.

"Where is the question of a Shiv Sena-NCP government? They (BJP-Shiv Sena) are together for the last 25 years, today or tomorrow they will come together again," said Pawar.

He also stated that there is only one option, which is that the BJP and Shiv Sena should form the government. "There is no other option other than this to avoid President`s rule," he outlined.

Further lamenting on the plight of farmers in State he said: "Centre should help farmers whose crops have been damaged due to rains. I visited affected areas and feel that farmers must be provided relief. Another issue is of insurance companies not paying farmers for crop damage, the Finance Ministry should intervene in this matter."

On Wednesday morning, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had met Pawar at his residence elaborating on which Pawar said that it was regarding the upcoming session.

"Sanjay Raut met me today and discussed the upcoming parliament session. There are some issues we discussed on which we can have a similar stand," said Pawar.

As the deadline for government formation in Maharashtra is fast approaching, Shiv-Sena is not ready to settle for any anything less than an equal share of power as Sanjay Raut on Wednesday outrightly denied the possibility of reaching any new settlement with BJP except the one he claims was allegedly agreed upon prior to polls.

The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly. The results of assembly polls were announced on October 24.&nbsp;

Reiterating his stance that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has numbers only to sit in Opposition, party Chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday denied the possibility of forging an alliance with Shiv Sena to form the government.

Reiterating his stance that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has numbers only to sit in Opposition, party Chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday denied the possibility of forging an alliance with Shiv Sena to form the government. He said that BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate and they should form the government."I do not have anything to say yet. BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate of people, so they should form the government as soon as possible. Our mandate is to play the role of Opposition," said Sharad Pawar while addressing a press conference here. "Where is the question of a Shiv Sena-NCP government? They (BJP-Shiv Sena) are together for the last 25 years, today or tomorrow they will come together again," said Pawar. He also stated that there is only one option, which is that the BJP and Shiv Sena should form the government. "There is no other option other than this to avoid President`s rule," he outlined. Further lamenting on the plight of farmers in State he said: "Centre should help farmers whose crops have been damaged due to rains. I visited affected areas and feel that farmers must be provided relief. Another issue is of insurance companies not paying farmers for crop damage, the Finance Ministry should intervene in this matter." On Wednesday morning, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had met Pawar at his residence elaborating on which Pawar said that it was regarding the upcoming session. "Sanjay Raut met me today and discussed the upcoming parliament session. There are some issues we discussed on which we can have a similar stand," said Pawar. As the deadline for government formation in Maharashtra is fast approaching, Shiv-Sena is not ready to settle for any anything less than an equal share of power as Sanjay Raut on Wednesday outrightly denied the possibility of reaching any new settlement with BJP except the one he claims was allegedly agreed upon prior to polls. The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly. The results of assembly polls were announced on October 24.

Sharad Pawar rules out possibility of alliance with Shiv Sena, says 'our mandate is to sit in Opposition'

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which bagged 54 seats in the recently concluded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maharashtra-bjp-shiv-sena-feud-continues-for-the-cm-post-258477">Maharashtra Assembly elections</a> on Wednesday held meetings and took few decisions in Mumbai.

It all began with a meeting of important leaders at Silver Oak, which is NCP chief Sharad Pawar`s residence.

All prominent faces of the NCP were present at the meeting and were spotted with happy faces as they met Pawar for the first time after Diwali.

A little while later an NCP core committee meeting took place at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Leaders like Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel, Supriya Sule, Dhananjay Munde, Jayant Patil, Jitendra Awhad, Nawab Malik and other leaders and workers were present in the meeting.

A few decisions were to be taken and therefore the core of NCP was present there.Post core committee meeting, a gathering of the newly-elected MLAs was held in NCP office, Ballard Pier here. The meeting saw the NCP office being decorated with flowers and posters of `Pawarful NCP` depicting powerful NCP.

It was a comeback of sorts as NCP leaders seemed to be happy and satisfied with the results and the way every winning MLA was welcomed was special in its own way.

The meeting also saw Ajit Pawar being elected as the Legislative Party leader unanimously.Pawar took BJP-Shiv Sena`s "arrogance" to task by saying that NCP had won people`s hearts and people had taught them a lesson.

Pawar also said, "The current scenario is that except the ruling parties of Shiv Sena and BJP, NCP is the most accepted party in the state. The people of Maharashtra have shown us love."

On <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-reserves-ayodhya-verdict-after-40-days-of-hearing-256283">Ayodhya land dispute</a> case, Pawar said, "The Ayodhya result will be announced soon and it is a matter of faith. Whatever judgement comes we have to make sure that it is accepted and peace prevails everywhere. There should be communal harmony maintained everywhere. There are chances that some forces might take advantage of this but it is important to be calm and accept things."

In a veiled attack at BJP, Pawar also said, "I don`t think Article 370 makes relevance at every place. Why do you have to raise the issue of 370 everywhere? How does 370 affect everything? You have to understand that Article 370 is not the only thing in the nation. First, understand the needs of the common man, that is much more important."

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which bagged 54 seats in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections on Wednesday held meetings and took few decisions in Mumbai.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which bagged 54 seats in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections on Wednesday held meetings and took few decisions in Mumbai. It all began with a meeting of important leaders at Silver Oak, which is NCP chief Sharad Pawar`s residence. All prominent faces of the NCP were present at the meeting and were spotted with happy faces as they met Pawar for the first time after Diwali. A little while later an NCP core committee meeting took place at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Leaders like Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel, Supriya Sule, Dhananjay Munde, Jayant Patil, Jitendra Awhad, Nawab Malik and other leaders and workers were present in the meeting. A few decisions were to be taken and therefore the core of NCP was present there.Post core committee meeting, a gathering of the newly-elected MLAs was held in NCP office, Ballard Pier here. The meeting saw the NCP office being decorated with flowers and posters of `Pawarful NCP` depicting powerful NCP. It was a comeback of sorts as NCP leaders seemed to be happy and satisfied with the results and the way every winning MLA was welcomed was special in its own way. The meeting also saw Ajit Pawar being elected as the Legislative Party leader unanimously.Pawar took BJP-Shiv Sena`s "arrogance" to task by saying that NCP had won people`s hearts and people had taught them a lesson. Pawar also said, "The current scenario is that except the ruling parties of Shiv Sena and BJP, NCP is the most accepted party in the state. The people of Maharashtra have shown us love." On Ayodhya land dispute case, Pawar said, "The Ayodhya result will be announced soon and it is a matter of faith. Whatever judgement comes we have to make sure that it is accepted and peace prevails everywhere. There should be communal harmony maintained everywhere. There are chances that some forces might take advantage of this but it is important to be calm and accept things." In a veiled attack at BJP, Pawar also said, "I don`t think Article 370 makes relevance at every place. Why do you have to raise the issue of 370 everywhere? How does 370 affect everything? You have to understand that Article 370 is not the only thing in the nation. First, understand the needs of the common man, that is much more important."

Maharashtra power tussle: Sharad Pawar holds NCP meetings in Mumbai

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that the mandate for his party in Maharashtra elections is to sit in the opposition and they have fully accepted it.

Speaking to media persons here, Pawar said the newly-elected MLAs of the party will meet on October 30 to elect legislative party leader.&nbsp;

"The public mandate for us is to sit in the opposition and we have accepted it with the bottom of our heart. There is no other option," Pawar said.

He said the party will talk to its ally Congress on the post of leader of opposition.&nbsp;

"For the post of opposition leader and other positions, Congress and NCP will deliberate. On every issue, Congress and NCP will move forward only after having discussions with each other," he said.

NCP has won 54 seats in Maharashtra elections, ten more than the seats won by Congress. He said the newly-elected MPs of the party will meet October 30 at 5 pm.

Maharashtra Congress Committee President Balasaheb Thorat was also present at the press conference.

Earlier in the day, Thorat paid a visit to Sharad Pawar in "his personal capacity".

Pawar`s daughter Supriya Sule, MP, and party MLA Rohit Pawar, who is his grand-nephew, were also present.

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra assembly polls.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena leaders on Saturday demanded that BJP should give a written assurance that both the alliance partners will run the government according to 50-50 formula for two-and-a-half-years each.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that the mandate for his party in Maharashtra elections is to sit in the opposition and they have fully accepted it.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that the mandate for his party in Maharashtra elections is to sit in the opposition and they have fully accepted it. Speaking to media persons here, Pawar said the newly-elected MLAs of the party will meet on October 30 to elect legislative party leader. "The public mandate for us is to sit in the opposition and we have accepted it with the bottom of our heart. There is no other option," Pawar said. He said the party will talk to its ally Congress on the post of leader of opposition. "For the post of opposition leader and other positions, Congress and NCP will deliberate. On every issue, Congress and NCP will move forward only after having discussions with each other," he said. NCP has won 54 seats in Maharashtra elections, ten more than the seats won by Congress. He said the newly-elected MPs of the party will meet October 30 at 5 pm. Maharashtra Congress Committee President Balasaheb Thorat was also present at the press conference. Earlier in the day, Thorat paid a visit to Sharad Pawar in "his personal capacity". Pawar`s daughter Supriya Sule, MP, and party MLA Rohit Pawar, who is his grand-nephew, were also present. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra assembly polls. Shiv Sena leaders on Saturday demanded that BJP should give a written assurance that both the alliance partners will run the government according to 50-50 formula for two-and-a-half-years each.

Mandate for Nationalist Congress Party is to sit in opposition: Sharad Pawar

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

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

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

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

Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale on Monday expressed confidence over the BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI alliance and said that they will win around 230-240 seats in the state elections. There are 289 seats in the Maharashtra assembly.

"We had kept in front of the people what all work we did in the last five years and are planning to do in the next five years. That's why I feel people will support us and the alliance will win 230-240 seats," Athawale told ANI here.

When asked about NCP chief Sharad Pawar's campaigning for the state Assembly elections, Athawale said that there won't be much negative effect due to that on the alliance.

Earlier, Athawale had expressed his discontent over the distribution of seats among the allies of BJP and Shiv Sena for the Assembly polls.

"In the grand alliance of BJP-Shiv Sena and RPI, RPI is not contented with the distribution of seat. But for ensuring the representation of Ambedkarite community, the RPI will support grand alliance," tweeted Athawale.

The RPI was given six seats as part of the seat-sharing deal among BJP, Shiv Sena and other smaller allies.

Voting is underway in Maharashtra. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale on Monday expressed confidence over the BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI alliance and said that they will win around 230-240 seats in the state elections.

Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale on Monday expressed confidence over the BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI alliance and said that they will win around 230-240 seats in the state elections. There are 289 seats in the Maharashtra assembly. "We had kept in front of the people what all work we did in the last five years and are planning to do in the next five years. That's why I feel people will support us and the alliance will win 230-240 seats," Athawale told ANI here. When asked about NCP chief Sharad Pawar's campaigning for the state Assembly elections, Athawale said that there won't be much negative effect due to that on the alliance. Earlier, Athawale had expressed his discontent over the distribution of seats among the allies of BJP and Shiv Sena for the Assembly polls. "In the grand alliance of BJP-Shiv Sena and RPI, RPI is not contented with the distribution of seat. But for ensuring the representation of Ambedkarite community, the RPI will support grand alliance," tweeted Athawale. The RPI was given six seats as part of the seat-sharing deal among BJP, Shiv Sena and other smaller allies. Voting is underway in Maharashtra. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Our alliance will get 230-240 seats: Ramdas Athawale

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lambasted the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for questioning the link between Article 370 and Maharashtra, saying that Sharad Pawar suffering from the cataract of `greed for votes` and he could not see what the people want.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally in Rajura, Shah said: "Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Veer Savarkar, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The land where the fight for `Swaraj` began. Now, they were asking about the relationship between Maharashtra and Article 370. Pawar Sahab, you have got the cataract of greed for votes. You cannot see what the people of the state want."

Calling the BJP a party of patriots led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shah said there is a group of dynastic parties led by Rahul Gandhi and Sharad Pawar.

The BJP president emphasised the struggles of tribal society and said it has played a big role in the independence of the country.

Remembering Birsa Munda, a folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe, Shah hit out at the Congress and alleged the Adivasi community sacrificed their lives but the Congress "did not respect" them.&nbsp;

Shah further wooed voters belonging to the tribal community with the promise that the Modi government will give the `patta` (lease) to tribal brothers soon after the removal of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Maharashtra.

Shah claimed that most of the tribal society and OBC community MPs and MLAs are from the BJP.&nbsp;

Talking about the Centre`s open defecation-free (ODF) India programme, he said: "Sharad Pawar laughs and says that Modi ji calls the toilet a development. Pawar Saheb you will realise the importance of toilets when you will get to know the diffidence of mothers and sisters, who defecate in the open."

He claimed: "Pawar will never feel our daughters` pain as he has collected millions and billions of rupees."

Maharashtra will go to polls on October 21. The results will be declared on October 24.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lambasted the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for questioning the link between Article 370 and Maharashtra, saying that Sharad Pawar suffering from the cataract of `greed for votes` and he could not see what the people want.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lambasted the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for questioning the link between Article 370 and Maharashtra, saying that Sharad Pawar suffering from the cataract of `greed for votes` and he could not see what the people want. Addressing an election rally in Rajura, Shah said: "Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Veer Savarkar, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The land where the fight for `Swaraj` began. Now, they were asking about the relationship between Maharashtra and Article 370. Pawar Sahab, you have got the cataract of greed for votes. You cannot see what the people of the state want." Calling the BJP a party of patriots led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shah said there is a group of dynastic parties led by Rahul Gandhi and Sharad Pawar. The BJP president emphasised the struggles of tribal society and said it has played a big role in the independence of the country. Remembering Birsa Munda, a folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe, Shah hit out at the Congress and alleged the Adivasi community sacrificed their lives but the Congress "did not respect" them. Shah further wooed voters belonging to the tribal community with the promise that the Modi government will give the `patta` (lease) to tribal brothers soon after the removal of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Maharashtra. Shah claimed that most of the tribal society and OBC community MPs and MLAs are from the BJP. Talking about the Centre`s open defecation-free (ODF) India programme, he said: "Sharad Pawar laughs and says that Modi ji calls the toilet a development. Pawar Saheb you will realise the importance of toilets when you will get to know the diffidence of mothers and sisters, who defecate in the open." He claimed: "Pawar will never feel our daughters` pain as he has collected millions and billions of rupees." Maharashtra will go to polls on October 21. The results will be declared on October 24.

Sharad Pawar suffering from cataract of 'greed for votes': Amit Shah

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

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

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

Sharad Pawar, NCP face an existential crisis like never before

Joint Commissioner of Police (CP) Vinay Choubey and a team of police on Friday arrived at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence ahead of his visit to Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office in connection with a money laundering case.

A police team along with sniffer dogs also reached the NCP office in Mumbai.

<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"We are well equipped to take care of any eventuality. Section 144 is in place in the whole area. We have taken sufficient precautions. If any violation occurs, we are well equipped to handle that," said DCP Sangram Singh Nishandar, DCP Zone 1, Mumbai Police.

The Mumbai Police on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders in Mumbai's Ballard Estate area in view of Pawar's visit to the ED office.

Ahead of the ED questioning, NCP leader Nawab Malik also reached for meeting Pawar at his residence.

Speaking to media persons he said: "Police are detaining NCP workers in Mumbai and in other parts of the state, it is not right. Sharad Pawar will definitely go to the ED office at 2 pm today. BJP government is misusing Enforcement Directorate."

"From last night itself, the police began the process of detaining NCP workers. We think that this sort of action against the party workers is not at all right. Sharad Pawar did request the party workers not to come but the party workers will definitely assemble at the party office. We don't want any sort of violence," he added.

NCP workers had earlier staged protests after Sharad Pawar along with party leader Ajit Pawar and others were named in an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in Rs 5,000 crore Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) scam case.

Pawar had earlier stated in a tweet that he would appear before the ED on Friday. He also appealed to the party leaders and supporters not to gather outside the agency's premises.

"Keeping our tradition to honour the constitution and respect for institutions, I request your co-operation to the police and other government agencies," he stated.

Joint Commissioner of Police (CP) Vinay Choubey and a team of police on Friday arrived at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence ahead of his visit to Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office in connection with a money laundering case.

Joint Commissioner of Police (CP) Vinay Choubey and a team of police on Friday arrived at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence ahead of his visit to Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office in connection with a money laundering case. A police team along with sniffer dogs also reached the NCP office in Mumbai. "We are well equipped to take care of any eventuality. Section 144 is in place in the whole area. We have taken sufficient precautions. If any violation occurs, we are well equipped to handle that," said DCP Sangram Singh Nishandar, DCP Zone 1, Mumbai Police. The Mumbai Police on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders in Mumbai's Ballard Estate area in view of Pawar's visit to the ED office. Ahead of the ED questioning, NCP leader Nawab Malik also reached for meeting Pawar at his residence. Speaking to media persons he said: "Police are detaining NCP workers in Mumbai and in other parts of the state, it is not right. Sharad Pawar will definitely go to the ED office at 2 pm today. BJP government is misusing Enforcement Directorate." "From last night itself, the police began the process of detaining NCP workers. We think that this sort of action against the party workers is not at all right. Sharad Pawar did request the party workers not to come but the party workers will definitely assemble at the party office. We don't want any sort of violence," he added. NCP workers had earlier staged protests after Sharad Pawar along with party leader Ajit Pawar and others were named in an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in Rs 5,000 crore Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) scam case. Pawar had earlier stated in a tweet that he would appear before the ED on Friday. He also appealed to the party leaders and supporters not to gather outside the agency's premises. "Keeping our tradition to honour the constitution and respect for institutions, I request your co-operation to the police and other government agencies," he stated.

Maharashtra: Police teams reach Sharad Pawar's residence, NCP office ahead of ED questioning

After their first significant electoral victories in 1967, the then Jan Sangh, BJP’s precursor, embarked on a series of informal alliances with princely notables in Madhya Pradesh, who were not only deeply influential in central India, but were, until then, staunch supporters of the Congress Party. &nbsp;

Much later, in the 1980s and 1990s, LK Advani and others in the BJP, continued this policy, broad basing it to include a vast spectrum of people and celebrities, who were not in any way related to the RSS or traditional Sangh politics. &nbsp;

Cut to 2019, when BJP is in a pole position in Indian politics, particularly after Narendra Modi’s second emphatic victory, obviously there is a queue to join the party. &nbsp;In many ways, the contrast could not have been starker. Since the 1960s, when the Jan Sangh was a pariah, seeking reluctant allies, to 2019 when political leaders of all hues are making a beeline to get into the party, is a long-distance travelled. &nbsp;

However, the BJP needs to exercise caution with rampant poaching — read defection exercises — that has led to politicians of various shapes and sizes, lining up to join the party in power. These days, not a week goes without someone or the other, in many cases even political heavyweights, joining the BJP. &nbsp; &nbsp;To be sure, party-hopping in not a new phenomenon in this country, and well precedes the advent of Narendra Modi. Every general election or Assembly poll is invariably accompanied by individual politicians, mostly local notables, transferring their loyalties from one party to another.&nbsp;

This switch is usually based on the ‘winnability’ factor. If an anticipated swing in favour of one party is complemented by a person’s local appeal, success is more or less guaranteed. On their part, political parties aren’t exactly selective about admitting turncoats, who may have been attacking them just the other day!

The pre-election switches may be uneven, but not exactly unethical, because if the electorate decides to back rank defectors, there is nothing that anyone can say or do.&nbsp;

This process of aya Rams and gaya Rams merely reinforce — if indeed any reinforcement was needed — that political parties, given the extreme diversity and vastness of Indian society, can scarcely be ideological at all, even loosely.&nbsp;

It would, therefore, be a mistake to describe the BJP as an ideological party, not the least by its own supporters, let alone critiques on the Left-Liberal end of the spectrum. To propose therefore that the BJP is entirely controlled by the RSS, is inaccurate. This may have held true for the early Jana Sangh, but over the decades the BJP has evolved into something far bigger than just the Sangh Parivar. There is little doubt that the RSS’s inputs to the BJP’s ultimate execution of its programmes are very significant, but the party’s stalwarts like Advani believed long ago that to expand its footprints, the BJP would have to move beyond a strictly regimented existence, something that the Left in India was unable to do. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

A look at the BJP’s leadership today, particularly in states where it has come to establish a presence only recently, will help to elucidate this point. Local BJP units, many of them set up newly, have to factor in local issues and deal with new entrants into the party fold, who do not come from the traditional saffron fold. They could belong to the Congress or even a regional party. To be sure, the RSS does provide the cohesion needed, but BJP’s horizontal, nationwide expansion, is its own doing.&nbsp;

Typically of India, the situation varies from one state to the other. In West Bengal and Tripura, the BJP was a very small party until quite recently. It constituted individuals associated with the Sangh Parivar, not all of them familiar with the ways of conducting electoral politics.

Many individuals from the Trinamool Congress and Congress who joined the BJP after 2014 or even just before the 2019 election, were better equipped to fight elections than the old-timers. &nbsp;

It would be fair to say that the remarkably good performance of the BJP in these two states, is thanks in the main to these new inductees, who skillfully harnessed the larger popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for electoral gains.&nbsp;

Such political integration is, however, not without its downside. In West Bengal, after the BJP’s electoral triumph in the Lok Sabha elections, there have been tensions in the local party unit on differing perceptions of Sangh old-timers and recent entrants. &nbsp;

A look at recent defections to the BJP in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, presents a different side of the problem. The implications of destabilising the HD Kumara Swamy government in Bangalore is being attributed to a lack of political ethics, because the provocation was triggered by Modi’s resounding mandate.

Yet, it would be instructive to remember that the Congress — Janata Dal (S) coalition that came into existence after the Assembly election in Karnataka last year, was itself steeped in rank opportunism. Both the parties had contested the polls bitterly against each other. Under the circumstances, replacing one unprincipled combination with another may hardly be deemed unethical.&nbsp;

Having said that, the BJP would be well-advised not to lose its original hallmark — party with a difference. The 2019 victory was prompted by peoples’expectations and coming so soon after that mandate, the murky games in Karnataka, Goa and poll-bound Maharashtra could make the party lose its moral sheen. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-defections-and-poaching-2778104">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

After their first significant electoral victories in 1967, the then Jan Sangh, BJP’s precursor, embarked on a series of informal alliances with princely notables in Madhya Pradesh, who were not only deeply influential in central India, but were, until then, staunch supporters of the Congress Party.

After their first significant electoral victories in 1967, the then Jan Sangh, BJP’s precursor, embarked on a series of informal alliances with princely notables in Madhya Pradesh, who were not only deeply influential in central India, but were, until then, staunch supporters of the Congress Party. Much later, in the 1980s and 1990s, LK Advani and others in the BJP, continued this policy, broad basing it to include a vast spectrum of people and celebrities, who were not in any way related to the RSS or traditional Sangh politics. Cut to 2019, when BJP is in a pole position in Indian politics, particularly after Narendra Modi’s second emphatic victory, obviously there is a queue to join the party. In many ways, the contrast could not have been starker. Since the 1960s, when the Jan Sangh was a pariah, seeking reluctant allies, to 2019 when political leaders of all hues are making a beeline to get into the party, is a long-distance travelled. However, the BJP needs to exercise caution with rampant poaching — read defection exercises — that has led to politicians of various shapes and sizes, lining up to join the party in power. These days, not a week goes without someone or the other, in many cases even political heavyweights, joining the BJP. To be sure, party-hopping in not a new phenomenon in this country, and well precedes the advent of Narendra Modi. Every general election or Assembly poll is invariably accompanied by individual politicians, mostly local notables, transferring their loyalties from one party to another. This switch is usually based on the ‘winnability’ factor. If an anticipated swing in favour of one party is complemented by a person’s local appeal, success is more or less guaranteed. On their part, political parties aren’t exactly selective about admitting turncoats, who may have been attacking them just the other day! The pre-election switches may be uneven, but not exactly unethical, because if the electorate decides to back rank defectors, there is nothing that anyone can say or do. This process of aya Rams and gaya Rams merely reinforce — if indeed any reinforcement was needed — that political parties, given the extreme diversity and vastness of Indian society, can scarcely be ideological at all, even loosely. It would, therefore, be a mistake to describe the BJP as an ideological party, not the least by its own supporters, let alone critiques on the Left-Liberal end of the spectrum. To propose therefore that the BJP is entirely controlled by the RSS, is inaccurate. This may have held true for the early Jana Sangh, but over the decades the BJP has evolved into something far bigger than just the Sangh Parivar. There is little doubt that the RSS’s inputs to the BJP’s ultimate execution of its programmes are very significant, but the party’s stalwarts like Advani believed long ago that to expand its footprints, the BJP would have to move beyond a strictly regimented existence, something that the Left in India was unable to do. A look at the BJP’s leadership today, particularly in states where it has come to establish a presence only recently, will help to elucidate this point. Local BJP units, many of them set up newly, have to factor in local issues and deal with new entrants into the party fold, who do not come from the traditional saffron fold. They could belong to the Congress or even a regional party. To be sure, the RSS does provide the cohesion needed, but BJP’s horizontal, nationwide expansion, is its own doing. Typically of India, the situation varies from one state to the other. In West Bengal and Tripura, the BJP was a very small party until quite recently. It constituted individuals associated with the Sangh Parivar, not all of them familiar with the ways of conducting electoral politics. Many individuals from the Trinamool Congress and Congress who joined the BJP after 2014 or even just before the 2019 election, were better equipped to fight elections than the old-timers. It would be fair to say that the remarkably good performance of the BJP in these two states, is thanks in the main to these new inductees, who skillfully harnessed the larger popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for electoral gains. Such political integration is, however, not without its downside. In West Bengal, after the BJP’s electoral triumph in the Lok Sabha elections, there have been tensions in the local party unit on differing perceptions of Sangh old-timers and recent entrants. A look at recent defections to the BJP in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, presents a different side of the problem. The implications of destabilising the HD Kumara Swamy government in Bangalore is being attributed to a lack of political ethics, because the provocation was triggered by Modi’s resounding mandate. Yet, it would be instructive to remember that the Congress — Janata Dal (S) coalition that came into existence after the Assembly election in Karnataka last year, was itself steeped in rank opportunism. Both the parties had contested the polls bitterly against each other. Under the circumstances, replacing one unprincipled combination with another may hardly be deemed unethical. Having said that, the BJP would be well-advised not to lose its original hallmark — party with a difference. The 2019 victory was prompted by peoples’expectations and coming so soon after that mandate, the murky games in Karnataka, Goa and poll-bound Maharashtra could make the party lose its moral sheen. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

BJP now sees politicians of all denominations lining up to join its fold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four MLAs from opposition <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-mumbai-chief-ahir-joshi-cross-over-to-bjp-238357&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-qpCS0NzjAhUGknAKHbvYCbsQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GLkkWmVQ5mNE42m0ehnIP">Nationalist Congress Party</a> and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

NCP MLAs&nbsp;Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow.

On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year.

On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.&nbsp;

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP. NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow. On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year. On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.

Four opposition MLAs resign from Maharashtra Assembly

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed NCP chief Sharad Pawar's recent accusations of BJP luring rival party legislators, and asked the senior leader to instead introspect within his party.

National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government is pressuring leaders of opposition parties to join the BJP.

"A lot of NCP and Congress legislators are willing to join BJP but we will only induct selected few in the party. The people, against whom ED or any other inquiry is ongoing, will not be taken in the party. We do not want to invite anyone or run behind anyone, people are themselves coming to BJP," Fadnavis told reporters here.

Fadnavis also rejected Pawar's accusation of BJP misusing probe agencies for threatening politicians and said, "BJP has never indulged in politics of pressure. In the last five years, a lot of troubled sugar factories have been helped by the government and state bank. The list is long but in return of the same no one was asked to join the party. Pawar Sahab must introspect within his party."

Fadnavis's reaction comes after Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government is pressuring leaders of opposition parties to join the BJP.

Pawar went on to accuse that the BJP is misusing premier probe agencies to threaten politicians of various parties.

"Central Government is misusing their power before elections (Maharashtra), pressuring those leaders who are not willing to join BJP. This is not limited to Maharashtra, it has happened everywhere. Maharashtra Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers have been involved in calling many leaders. On the other side, we are getting complaints from many that some agencies are being used like ED, CBI and state government's ACB. These agencies are being used to threaten the public representatives," he said while addressing the media in Mumbai.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed NCP chief Sharad Pawar's recent accusations of BJP luring rival party legislators, and asked the senior leader to instead introspect within his party.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed NCP chief Sharad Pawar's recent accusations of BJP luring rival party legislators, and asked the senior leader to instead introspect within his party. National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government is pressuring leaders of opposition parties to join the BJP. "A lot of NCP and Congress legislators are willing to join BJP but we will only induct selected few in the party. The people, against whom ED or any other inquiry is ongoing, will not be taken in the party. We do not want to invite anyone or run behind anyone, people are themselves coming to BJP," Fadnavis told reporters here. Fadnavis also rejected Pawar's accusation of BJP misusing probe agencies for threatening politicians and said, "BJP has never indulged in politics of pressure. In the last five years, a lot of troubled sugar factories have been helped by the government and state bank. The list is long but in return of the same no one was asked to join the party. Pawar Sahab must introspect within his party." Fadnavis's reaction comes after Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government is pressuring leaders of opposition parties to join the BJP. Pawar went on to accuse that the BJP is misusing premier probe agencies to threaten politicians of various parties. "Central Government is misusing their power before elections (Maharashtra), pressuring those leaders who are not willing to join BJP. This is not limited to Maharashtra, it has happened everywhere. Maharashtra Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers have been involved in calling many leaders. On the other side, we are getting complaints from many that some agencies are being used like ED, CBI and state government's ACB. These agencies are being used to threaten the public representatives," he said while addressing the media in Mumbai.

BJP never indulges in politics of pressure, Pawar must introspect: Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Office (CMO) team on Monday extended their heartfelt greetings to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on his 49th birthday.

CMO members also donated their one day salary to CM Relief Fund on the occasion, said a tweet by CMO Maharashtra."Team @CMOMaharashtra meets, greets CM @Dev_Fadnavis on his birthday and donates one day salary towards #CMReliefFund !" the tweet quoted.&nbsp;

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Team <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOMaharashtra</a> meets, greets CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> on his birthday and donates one day salary towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMReliefFund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CMReliefFund</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/JfmZ6uSxjF">pic.twitter.com/JfmZ6uSxjF</a>
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1153222989384736768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also wished Chief Minister Fadnavis.

Modi took to twitter to extend his wishes to Fadnavis and said, "Birthday greetings to the energetic and dynamic CM of Maharashtra, Dev_Fadnavis Ji. For the last 5 years, he has steered the state to new heights of growth. He has assiduously worked for the welfare of the poor. May he be blessed with good health and many more years of service."

Home Minister also congratulated and praised Fadnavis for his zeal and commitment towards his state. Fadnavis is serving his fourth term as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra as of 2014, becoming second-youngest Chief Minister the state ever had after Sharad Pawar.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Office (CMO) team on Monday extended their heartfelt greetings to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on his 49th birthday. CMO members also donated their one day salary to CM Relief Fund on the occasion, said a tweet by CMO Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Office (CMO) team on Monday extended their heartfelt greetings to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on his 49th birthday. CMO members also donated their one day salary to CM Relief Fund on the occasion, said a tweet by CMO Maharashtra."Team @CMOMaharashtra meets, greets CM @Dev_Fadnavis on his birthday and donates one day salary towards #CMReliefFund !" the tweet quoted. Team @CMOMaharashtra meets, greets CM @Dev_Fadnavis on his birthday and donates one day salary towards #CMReliefFund ! pic.twitter.com/JfmZ6uSxjF — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) July 22, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also wished Chief Minister Fadnavis. Modi took to twitter to extend his wishes to Fadnavis and said, "Birthday greetings to the energetic and dynamic CM of Maharashtra, Dev_Fadnavis Ji. For the last 5 years, he has steered the state to new heights of growth. He has assiduously worked for the welfare of the poor. May he be blessed with good health and many more years of service." Home Minister also congratulated and praised Fadnavis for his zeal and commitment towards his state. Fadnavis is serving his fourth term as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra as of 2014, becoming second-youngest Chief Minister the state ever had after Sharad Pawar.

Devendra Fadnavis' birthday: Maharashtra CMO team donates a day salary to CM Relief fund

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

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

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

Congress president Rahul Gandhi meets NCP leader Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar met Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/chandrababu-naidu-oppositions-trump-card-to-unite-anti-bjp-forces-179678">Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu</a> on Sunday in a bid to step up efforts to form a non-BJP regime in the post-poll scenario.

On being asked about the purpose of the meeting, Pawar did not disclose much apart from saying that it was a meeting to assess the 'elections in their respective states'.

"We just met and assessed the elections in our respective states. We are waiting for counting day to take further steps," said Pawar.

In view of the impending results, non-BJP party leaders have been meeting each other to discuss the post-poll scenarios.

On May 18, Naidu undertook a hectic round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tdp-chief-naidu-meets-rahul-discusses-firming-up-anti-bjp-front-219558">discussions with opposition leader</a> including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati in Lucknow.

Naidu is on a mission of rallying opposition parties in a bid to keep the BJP out of power, in case its numbers fall short of majority considerably.

Sunday marks the end of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls in the country. The counting of votes would take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar met Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday in a bid to step up efforts to form a non-BJP regime in the post-poll scenario.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar met Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday in a bid to step up efforts to form a non-BJP regime in the post-poll scenario. On being asked about the purpose of the meeting, Pawar did not disclose much apart from saying that it was a meeting to assess the 'elections in their respective states'. "We just met and assessed the elections in our respective states. We are waiting for counting day to take further steps," said Pawar. In view of the impending results, non-BJP party leaders have been meeting each other to discuss the post-poll scenarios. On May 18, Naidu undertook a hectic round of discussions with opposition leader including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati in Lucknow. Naidu is on a mission of rallying opposition parties in a bid to keep the BJP out of power, in case its numbers fall short of majority considerably. Sunday marks the end of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls in the country. The counting of votes would take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: In a bid to firm anti-BJP front, Sharad Pawar meets Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death.

"Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. Rahul ji too had attempted to say something like this earlier. It was a crass joke but Manohar ji was alive then, so he could give a reply", Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis further said that just eight days before his death Parrikar had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least two rallies as there won't be a PM like him.

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Maha CM: Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. He was such a man that 8 days before his death he had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least 2 rallies as there won't be a PM like him <a href="https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc">https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1117346089693327360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Recently Pawar had claimed that Parrikar returned to Goa and quit as defence minister as he did not agree with the Rafale deal, in which the opposition has alleged corruption.

Parrikar, who died last month of cancer, had said that he always wanted to work in Goa. He returned as the state's chief minister after the assembly polls in 2017 amid demands by BJP's allies that he should be leading the alliance government.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death.

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death. "Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. Rahul ji too had attempted to say something like this earlier. It was a crass joke but Manohar ji was alive then, so he could give a reply", Fadnavis said. Fadnavis further said that just eight days before his death Parrikar had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least two rallies as there won't be a PM like him. Maha CM: Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. He was such a man that 8 days before his death he had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least 2 rallies as there won't be a PM like him https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019 × Recently Pawar had claimed that Parrikar returned to Goa and quit as defence minister as he did not agree with the Rafale deal, in which the opposition has alleged corruption. Parrikar, who died last month of cancer, had said that he always wanted to work in Goa. He returned as the state's chief minister after the assembly polls in 2017 amid demands by BJP's allies that he should be leading the alliance government. (With inputs from PTI)

Eight days before his death Parrikar wanted to campaign for Modi: Devendra Fadnavis

India's general election: Mahayudh between Congress's old idea of India and Modi's 'Naya Bharat'

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces.

Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar.

“We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said.

The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.&nbsp;

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike.

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces. Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar. “We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said. The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Maharashtra CM, Uddhav Thackeray target Sharad Pawar, Opposition in first NDA rally

The National Congress Party (NCP) on Friday released its second list of candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections comprising of five candidates.

The party has fielded NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s grandson Parth Ajit Pawar from Maval constituency in Pune District.

The other candidates include Dhanraj Haribhau Mahale from Dindori, Sameer Bhujbal from Nashik, Amol Kolhe from Shirur and Bajrang Sonavane from Beed parliamentary seat.

The party, on Thursday, announced the first list of 12 candidates including the daughter of Sharad Pawar Supriya Sule. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Supriya won from Baramati seat which used to be Sharad Pawar’s bastion.

The other candidates including Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai North East, Anand Paranjpe from Thane, Rajendra Shingane from Buldhana, Sunil Tatkare from Raigad, Udayanraje Bhosale from Satara, Dhananjay Mahadik from Kolhapur, Gulabarao Deokar from Jalgaon, Rajesh Vitekar from Parbhani, and Babaji Balaram Patil from Kalyan parliamentary seat.

Mohammad Faizal is the NCP candidate for Lakshadeep constituency.

NCP has extended support to Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna chief Raju Shetti who is contesting from Hatkanangale. He won from the seat in the last election.

After the second list, the total number of declared candidates for the NCP has reached 17.

Pawar had announced that he will not contest the ensuing general elections. The party is contesting the polls in alliance with the Congress in Maharashtra where 48 LokSabha seats are at stake.

Election Commission of India had announced the schedule for the 17th Lok Sabha election, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11.

The final phase of voting will take place on May 19 and the counting of votes will be done on May 23.

The National Congress Party (NCP) on Friday released its second list of candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections comprising of five candidates. The party has fielded NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s grandson Parth Ajit Pawar from Maval constituency in Pune District.

The National Congress Party (NCP) on Friday released its second list of candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections comprising of five candidates. The party has fielded NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s grandson Parth Ajit Pawar from Maval constituency in Pune District. The other candidates include Dhanraj Haribhau Mahale from Dindori, Sameer Bhujbal from Nashik, Amol Kolhe from Shirur and Bajrang Sonavane from Beed parliamentary seat. The party, on Thursday, announced the first list of 12 candidates including the daughter of Sharad Pawar Supriya Sule. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Supriya won from Baramati seat which used to be Sharad Pawar’s bastion. The other candidates including Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai North East, Anand Paranjpe from Thane, Rajendra Shingane from Buldhana, Sunil Tatkare from Raigad, Udayanraje Bhosale from Satara, Dhananjay Mahadik from Kolhapur, Gulabarao Deokar from Jalgaon, Rajesh Vitekar from Parbhani, and Babaji Balaram Patil from Kalyan parliamentary seat. Mohammad Faizal is the NCP candidate for Lakshadeep constituency. NCP has extended support to Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna chief Raju Shetti who is contesting from Hatkanangale. He won from the seat in the last election. After the second list, the total number of declared candidates for the NCP has reached 17. Pawar had announced that he will not contest the ensuing general elections. The party is contesting the polls in alliance with the Congress in Maharashtra where 48 LokSabha seats are at stake. Election Commission of India had announced the schedule for the 17th Lok Sabha election, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11. The final phase of voting will take place on May 19 and the counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha Polls: NCP announces second list of candidates

NCP chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said the BJP may emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term in office. He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

"BJP may emerge as the single largest party post parliamentary elections and will have to seek the support of allies (to form the government). In that scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term," Pawar said.

The former Union minister said he will meet some regional parties across the country on March 14 and 15 in New Delhi, where the further strategy of 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be discussed.

When asked about some regional parties going away from the Congress and NCP alliance in Maharashtra, Pawar said, "I appreciate the PWP for extending support to the NCP in the Lok Sabha election.

NCP has also held talks with the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna (SSS) for seat-sharing, but the farmers' front has some expectations from the Congress as well. It will be decided by these two parties."

On Monday, Pawar had said he will not contest next month's Lok Sabha election. The 78-year-old veteran politician had said as two members of his family are going to contest the polls, "somebody had to step back."

However, Pawar had earlier announced that his party workers wanted him to contest from Madha constituency in Solapur district, currently represented by NCP leader Vijaysinh Mohite Patil.

Reacting to Pawar's announcement of not contesting the Lok Sabha polls, Fadnavis had said the NCP leader "sensed the change in the air", and decided to rethink on plans to contest Lok Sabha poll from Madha LS seat.

On the chief minister's remarks, Pawar said, "It is childish to call my decision as a defeat as I have won elections 14 times, including the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections that I contested so far. On the other hand, late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and (BJP veteran) L K Advani had tasted defeat."&nbsp;

NCP chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said the BJP may emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term in office.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said the BJP may emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term in office. He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here. "BJP may emerge as the single largest party post parliamentary elections and will have to seek the support of allies (to form the government). In that scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term," Pawar said. The former Union minister said he will meet some regional parties across the country on March 14 and 15 in New Delhi, where the further strategy of 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be discussed. When asked about some regional parties going away from the Congress and NCP alliance in Maharashtra, Pawar said, "I appreciate the PWP for extending support to the NCP in the Lok Sabha election. NCP has also held talks with the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna (SSS) for seat-sharing, but the farmers' front has some expectations from the Congress as well. It will be decided by these two parties." On Monday, Pawar had said he will not contest next month's Lok Sabha election. The 78-year-old veteran politician had said as two members of his family are going to contest the polls, "somebody had to step back." However, Pawar had earlier announced that his party workers wanted him to contest from Madha constituency in Solapur district, currently represented by NCP leader Vijaysinh Mohite Patil. Reacting to Pawar's announcement of not contesting the Lok Sabha polls, Fadnavis had said the NCP leader "sensed the change in the air", and decided to rethink on plans to contest Lok Sabha poll from Madha LS seat. On the chief minister's remarks, Pawar said, "It is childish to call my decision as a defeat as I have won elections 14 times, including the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections that I contested so far. On the other hand, late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and (BJP veteran) L K Advani had tasted defeat."

BJP may emerge as single largest party, but second term for PM Modi unlikely: Sharad Pawar

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-pulwama-conspirator-killed-in-tral-encounter-today-44-terrorists-eliminated-in-first-70-days-of-2019-army-jk-police-202613">14 JeM terrorists killed since Pulwama attack, including two key conspirators: Army</a>

In a joint briefing by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the army in Srinagar on Monday, top officials told media that the security forces had "eliminated" another JeM commander, a key conspirator in the Pulwama terror attack, in the Tral encounter earlier in the day.&nbsp;

The briefing was jointly addressed by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC 15 Corps, and SP Pani, IG, J&amp;K Police.

"In last 21 days, we have eliminated 18 terrorists, out of the 14 being from JeM, 6 out of 14 were main commanders. JeM's 2nd commander Mudasir-main conspirator in national highway convoy attack has also been eliminated," Dhillon, Corps Commander of the army's Chinar Corps, said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-in-jk-needs-to-be-tackled-militarily-first-talks-can-take-place-later-ram-madhav-202644">Terrorism in J&amp;K needs to be tackled militarily first. Talks can take place later: Ram Madhav</a>

Speaking exclusively to WION after the announcement of the general elections, Ram Madhav said that globally, insurgencies are first tackled militarily and once that is done, talks follow. The national general secretary of the BJP was speaking in the context of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Ram Madhav had been asked why the BJP had not initiated talks within the Valley. He answered that Home Minister Rajnath Singh had invited various sections of society to talk but that no one responded.

“The other side is not willing to talk. They want to persist with terrorism. Globally, governments deal with terror sternly. We have seen it in Afghanistan also. I would include Pakistan also,” Ram Madhav said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/black-box-from-crashed-ethiopian-airlines-flight-recovered-report-202611">Ethiopian Airlines crash: Black box found, says state TV</a>

The black box from the Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed on Sunday has been recovered by investigators at the crash site, Ethiopian state TV said on Monday.

The passenger jet bound for Nairobi crashed minutes after take-off, killing all 157 people on board and raising questions about the safety of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, a new model that also crashed in Indonesia in October.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-chief-sharad-pawar-says-he-will-not-contest-lok-sabha-polls-202608">NCP chief Sharad Pawar says he will not contest Lok Sabha polls</a>

NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said he will not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

"I thought that already two members of my family are contesting polls this time and hence I felt this is right time to take decision to not contest since I already have contested 14 times in the past," Pawar said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-chief-michel-barnier-says-brexit-talks-now-between-uk-government-and-mps-202630">Britain braces for make-or-break Brexit vote</a>

The European Union's chief negotiator on Monday shut down hopes of a Brexit compromise with Brussels, saying it was up to Britain's government and parliament to find a way forward with less than three weeks to go before the scheduled departure date.

On the eve of a crucial vote in the House of Commons on Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal, Michel Barnier told AFP the British leader must negotiate with MPs rather than the EU.

14 JeM terrorists killed since Pulwama attack, including two key conspirators: Army In a joint briefing by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the army in Srinagar on Monday, top officials told media that the security forces had "eliminated" another JeM commander, a key conspirator in the Pulwama terror attack, in the Tral encounter earlier in the day.

14 JeM terrorists killed since Pulwama attack, including two key conspirators: Army In a joint briefing by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the army in Srinagar on Monday, top officials told media that the security forces had "eliminated" another JeM commander, a key conspirator in the Pulwama terror attack, in the Tral encounter earlier in the day. The briefing was jointly addressed by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC 15 Corps, and SP Pani, IG, J&K Police. "In last 21 days, we have eliminated 18 terrorists, out of the 14 being from JeM, 6 out of 14 were main commanders. JeM's 2nd commander Mudasir-main conspirator in national highway convoy attack has also been eliminated," Dhillon, Corps Commander of the army's Chinar Corps, said. Terrorism in J&K needs to be tackled militarily first. Talks can take place later: Ram Madhav Speaking exclusively to WION after the announcement of the general elections, Ram Madhav said that globally, insurgencies are first tackled militarily and once that is done, talks follow. The national general secretary of the BJP was speaking in the context of Jammu and Kashmir. Ram Madhav had been asked why the BJP had not initiated talks within the Valley. He answered that Home Minister Rajnath Singh had invited various sections of society to talk but that no one responded. “The other side is not willing to talk. They want to persist with terrorism. Globally, governments deal with terror sternly. We have seen it in Afghanistan also. I would include Pakistan also,” Ram Madhav said. Ethiopian Airlines crash: Black box found, says state TV The black box from the Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed on Sunday has been recovered by investigators at the crash site, Ethiopian state TV said on Monday. The passenger jet bound for Nairobi crashed minutes after take-off, killing all 157 people on board and raising questions about the safety of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, a new model that also crashed in Indonesia in October. NCP chief Sharad Pawar says he will not contest Lok Sabha polls NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said he will not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "I thought that already two members of my family are contesting polls this time and hence I felt this is right time to take decision to not contest since I already have contested 14 times in the past," Pawar said. Britain braces for make-or-break Brexit vote The European Union's chief negotiator on Monday shut down hopes of a Brexit compromise with Brussels, saying it was up to Britain's government and parliament to find a way forward with less than three weeks to go before the scheduled departure date. On the eve of a crucial vote in the House of Commons on Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal, Michel Barnier told AFP the British leader must negotiate with MPs rather than the EU.

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