Maharashtra: NCP Denies BJP Alliance, Ajit Pawar Meets Fadnavis
Catch all the live updates of Maharashtra government formation here.
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, clearing the air over talks of his party's support to BJP in Maharashtra, said on Sunday, 24 November, that there is no question of forming an alliance with the ruling party.
Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter after assuming charge, adding that the state will see a stable BJP-NCP government.
Catch all the live updates here.
- Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were sworn in by Governor Koshyari at a hush hush ceremony in Mumbai, leading to lifting of the President’s rule in the state.
- Ajit removed as NCP Legislative Party Leader and replaced by Jayant Patil
- Sena moved its 55 MLAs to a hotel in Mumbai, the NCP did the same, indicating return to ‘resort politics’
- In the polls, BJP won 105 seats, while the Shiv Sena won 56. Opposition Congress won 44 seats, while the NCP won in 54 constituencies
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Senior Congress Leaders to Meet NCP, Sena on Friday
Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Ahmed Patel and Mallikarjun Kharge will be going to Mumbai on Friday for a meeting with Shiv Sena and NCP for discussion over modalities of government formation in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra CM Will Be From Shiv Sena, Says Raut
A day after Uddhav Thackeray met NCP President Sharad Pawar, the Shiv Sena on Friday, 22 November, announced that the chief minister will be from their party.
NCP Never Demanded CM Post: Congress
Congress leader Manikrao Thakre said that the NCP never demanded the post of the chief minister.
“It is almost final that the next Maharashtra Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. NCP has never demanded the position of Chief Minister,” he said.
Congress-NCP Meeting Underway
The Congress and the NCP leaders along with smaller allies met in Mumbai amid government formation talks.
"Government Won't Last," Says Gadkari
Commenting on the formation of alliance between the Shiv Sena, NCP and the Congress, BJP leader and union minister Nitin Gadkari said that it won’t last due to ideological differences.
“There are ideological differences among Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP. The government will not go much ahead even if it is formed,” he said.
“This(Shiv Sena-NCP-Congresss) is an alliance of opportunism, they will not be able to give Maharashtra a stable Government,” he added.
“BJP and Shiv Sena alliance was based on ideology of Hindutva and even today we don't have much ideological differences. Breaking of such an alliance is not only a loss to the country but also to Hindutva cause and to Maharashtra,” Gadkari said.
Talks in Final Stage, Uddhav Tells MLAs
Amid hectic political activity for government formation in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday met his party's legislators here and told them that the process to form a Sena-led dispensation in the state was in the final stages.
Thackeray met the legislators to apprise them of the government formation process and meetings of Congress-NCP leaders in Delhi, Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav told PTI.
“Uddhavji met and told us that the process of formation of Sena-led government is in the final stages,” he said.
“The legislators have fully endorsed the party's efforts to stitch up an alliance with Congress and NCP to form the next government in the state,” Jadhav said.
He said the MLAs want Thackeray to become the chief minister.
“We want Uddhavji to be the chief minister. But his word would be final and would be binding on all of us,” he said.
Cong-NCP-Shiv Sena to Begin Meet Shortly
The meeting between senior leaders of the Congress, NCP and the Shiv Sena will begin shortly.
“We are going for the meeting (Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena) where discussions will be held. We will do a briefing after the meeting,” Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge told the media.
Sena-NCP-Cong Meet Underway
A meeting between senior leaders of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress is underway.
Uddhav Thackeray Arrives at Meet
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray arrived at Mumbai’s Nehru Centre to meet senior leaders of the Congress and the NCP to discuss the government formation in the state. Party leader Aaditya Thackeray is also present.
Sena-NCP-Cong Meet Concludes
The joint meeting between Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP concluded at Mumbai’s Nehru Centre.
Discussions Will Continue on Saturday: Pawar
NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said that the discussions between the three parties will continue on Saturday.
“Tomorrow a press conference will be held by the three parties. Discussion are continuing. Tomorrow we will also decide when to approach the Governor,” he said.
Consensus on Uddhav as CM, Says Pawar
NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said that there is consensus for Uddhav Thackeray to lead the government in the state.
“Detailed discussions have taken place. Whatever is left is still being discussed. There is no dissent over the issue of the chief minister's post. The government should be formed in the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray is what the consensus was,” he said.
“The issues we are dissenting on are still being discussed. We will hold a press conference tomorrow and let you know everything after the discussions. But the government will be led by Uddhav Thackeray is what was unanimously decided,” he added.
'Meeting Satisfactory, Discussions Still On': Uddhav
Addressing the media after the joint meet, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray called the talks “satisfactory” and said that the discussions over certain issues are still underway.
“This was the first joint meet between senior leaders of all three parties. The talks are still on. Many things have been sorted out. The remaining issues are still being discussed. I am sure that the way the discussions are going on, we will resolve all the issues and come forward to update you about the developments,” he said.
“We have decided that nothing should be left undiscussed. we want to face the people only after we are on the same page about everything. I am satisfied that we are already on the same page with many issues,” he added.
'Uddhav Will be New CM': Sanjay Raut Tells The Quint
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that there was consensus over Uddhav Thackeray’s name for the chief ministerial position.
“A consensus has been reached over Uddhav Thackeray’s name for the post of chief minister,” Sanjay Raut told The Quint.
Sena to Get 16 Ministerial Berths, NCP to Get 15: Sources
In the joint meet, Sharad Pawar and Sanjay Raut proposed that Uddhav Thackeray should be the CM, sources told The Quint.
Sources told the quint that the Shiv Sena will get 16 ministerial berths incuding the CM’s post, NCP would get 15 and the Congress 12.
Discussions on the post of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and important positions are still underway.
Raut Says 'Uddhav Agrees to Be Maharashtra's CM'
Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut has confirmed that Uddhav Thackeray has agreed to be Maharashtra’s chief minister, reported India Today.
Whoever Forms Govt, We Will Get Farmers' Work Done: Gadkari
“Irrespective of whose government is formed in Maharashtra, we will get the work done in the interest of farmers,” said Union minister Nitin Gadkari.
The Minister for Road Transport and Highways was speaking at the inauguration of Agrovision, an expo showcasing a wide range of agricultural products in Nagpur.
He said that instead of showing so much interest in who is forming the next government in Maharashtra, the media should focus more on farmers' issues, reported PTI.
Govt Formation Talks Inconclusive, to Continue on Saturday: Patel
Talks on government formation in Maharashtra between the Congress, the NCP and the Shiv Sena are inconclusive and will continue on Saturday as well, AICC General Secretary Ahmed Patel said.
Talking to reporters after marathon deliberations between top leaders of the three parties which are inching closer to formation of the new government, Patel said discussions will continue on Saturday, reported PTI.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, who attended the meeting at Nehru Centre, said the discussion between the three partners was conducted in a positive manner and they have reached many conclusions.
BJP Should've Agreed to Sena's Demand of 50:50 Formula: Athawale
Ramdas Athawale, a BJP ally in Maharashtra and Union minister said the saffron party's leadership should have agreed to the Shiv Sena's demand of the chief minister's post for two-and-a-half years so that power would not have slipped out from their hands.
“Shiv Sena had repeatedly asked for the chief minister's post for two-and a-half-years, but the BJP said that there had been no such agreement earlier on this and that it had 120 MLAs. Now, the Sena has joined hands with the Congress and NCP. With the alliance of the three parties, the door for power has opened for them,” Athawale told PTI.
Uddhav Has Given Consent to be CM: Sanjay Raut
Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent to become the chief minister, Sanjay Raut said as quoted by ANI.
Fadnavis Takes Oath as Maha CM, Ajit Pawar as Dy CM
Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister, NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM. The oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.
'Wanted Stable Govt for State': Ajit Pawar
NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that the state needed a stable government
“From result day to this day no party was able to form government, Maharashtra was facing many problems including farmer issues, so we decided to form a stable government,” he said.
Modi Congratulates Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
PM Narendra Modi took to twitter to congratulate Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar after taking oath.
Maharashtra Didn't Need Khichdi Govt: CM Fadnavis Post Taking Oath
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the state did not need a ‘khichadi’ government as the Shiv Sena was trying to form.
“People had given us a clear mandate, but Shiv Sena tried to ally with other parties after results, as a result President's rule was imposed. Maharashtra needed a stable government not a 'khichdi' government,” he said.
“I would like to express my gratitude to NCP's Ajit Pawar ji, he took this decision to give a stable government to Maharashtra and come together with BJP. Some other leaders also came with us and we staked claim to form government,” he added.
History Made By People Who the World laughed At
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut took to Twitter to say that ‘history has been made by people who the world has laughed at.’
Amit Shah Congratulates Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
BJP president Amit Shah took to Twitter to congratulate Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar after taking oath.
Sharad Pawar was Aware of Developments: ANI Sources.
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar was part of discussions for Devendra Fadnavis led Maharashtra government formation, he had given his assent to Ajit Pawar, ANI reported quoting sources.
Sources also told ANI that Ajit Pawar is the leader of Parliamentary board of NCP and no decision of NCP was taken without Sharad Pawar’s assent.
President's Rule Officially Revoked in Maharashtra
Rajnath Singh Congratulates Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
Union Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to congratulate Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar after taking oath.
'This is Not NCP's Decision, Not Pawar's Decision': Praful Patel
Senior NCP leader Praful Patel said that the decision of Ajit Pawar does not have Sharad Pawar’s blessings.
“This is not NCP's decision and does not have Sharad Pawar saheb's support,” he said.
'Ajit Pawar Backstabbed People': Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut called the oath taking of Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Sharad Pawar a ‘theft’ and an insult of the people of Maharashtra and said that Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray will meet to discuss the development.
“Sharad Pawar saheb has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra,” he said.
“Ajit Pawar was sitting with us till 9 pm and then he suddenly vanished. He wasn’t looking us in the eye while talking and that is when we had a doubt that something is up with him,” he said.
'Sanjay Raut should Now Keep Silent': BJP's Chandrakant Patil
BJP’s Chandrakant Patil slammed the Shiv Sena for not respecting people’s mandate by snubbing the BJP.
“Voters had voted for BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and we got 161 MLAs, but Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate. Since the first press conference they had started talking about alternatives,” he said.
“Sanjay Raut should now at least keep silent. He has ruined Shiv Sena,” he added.
'Will Prove Majority with 170 MLAs, All NCP MLAs Supporting Us': BJP
BJP’s Girish Mahajan said that the party will prove majority with the support of 170- MLAs.
“ We will prove our majority with support of over 170 MLAs. Ajit Pawar has given a letter to Governor about support of his MLAs and as he is legislative party leader of NCP, which means all NCP MLAs have supported us,” he said.
“Verbal diarrhoea will be the right phrase to use for him (Sanjay Raut). Even many Shiv Sena MLAs are frustrated with him and they may also think of going with us,” he added.
'Paap Ke Saudagar': Sanjay Raut Flares on Twitter
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut took to Twitter to call Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar ‘Paap ke Saudagar’ (brokers of sins).
“Why didn’t you look Maharashtra in the eye while taking oath?” he said in another tweet.
Sharad Pawar, Thackeray to Address Media at 12.30
Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray to address a joint press conference at 12.30 pm.
Congress Calls Urgent Meeting
An urgent meeting has been called by Congress at party office in Mumbai. Senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal to be present.
'Negotiations Took Too Long': Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi on Saturday expressed surprise at the political developments in Maharashtra and said the Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena negotiations took too long as the window was grabbed by “fast movers”.
"Surreal wht I read about Maharashtra. Thought it was fake news. Candidly and personally speaking, our tripartite negotiations should not have gone on for more than 3 days...took too long. Window given was grabbed by fast movers. Pawarji tussi great ho," Singhvi tweeted
Yogi Adityanath Congratulates Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for taking oath as the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Maharashtra respectively.
Congratulate People of Maharashtra for Stabel Government': JP Nadda
BJP working president JP Nadda congratulated the people of Maharashtra for a “stable government.”
“I congratulate the people of Maharashtra, a stable government under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis ji has been formed. It is a sign of a mature democracy,” he said.
'Which Direction are we Taking Democracy To?' Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot questioned the morality of revoking the President's rule and swearing-in of the chief minister and deputy chief minister in Maharashtra.
Gehlot said both the chief minister and deputy chief minister were “guilt conscious” and raised doubt whether they would be able to deliver good governance.
Referring to the political development in Maharashtra, Gehlot asked what morality was there in the sudden revocation of President's rule and such swearing-in.
“Which direction are they taking democracy to?” Gehlot asked on Twitter, adding that people would teach a lesson to the BJP on an appropriate time.
'Party and Family Split': Supriya Sule
Senior NCP leader and Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule’s latest Whatsapp status confirms ‘split’.
'Attendance Signatures Misused by Ajit to Claim Support': NCP
NCP leader Nawab Malik says that the sheet used for attendance of MLAs was misused by Ajit Pawar to claim their support.
“We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, it was misused as a basis for the oath,” he said.
Sharad Pawar to Meet NCP MLAs at 4.30 pm
Sharad Pawar has called a meeting of all NCP MLAs at 4.30 pm today.
Sharad Pawar, Kharge Arrive At YB Chavan Centre for Joint Meet with Sena
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel arrive for the Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena joint Press Conference at the YB Chavan Centre.
'Mockery of Constitution': Digvijay Singh
Senior Congress leader Digvijay singh called the political developments in Maharashtra a “mockery of the Constitution.”
“This is making a mockery of the constitution, BJP did the same in Goa, Meghalaya and other states. No MLA of the NCP will support this, Ajit Pawar has gone with them alone,” he said.
Uddhav Thackeray Arrives at YB Chavan Centre
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray arrived at YB Chavan Centre along with son and party MLA Aaditya Thackeray for a joint press briefing with the NCP. He was received by Supriya Sule.
BJP To address Media at 2.30 pm
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will address the media at party's state office in Mumbai at 2.30 pm today.
Uddhav, Sharad Pawar Address Media After BJP’s Return
'Had No Idea About Oath-Taking Before Being Taken to Raj Bhavan': NCP MLAs
NCP MLAs present at the oath-taking ceremony of Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar told the media at the joint briefing that none of the NCP MLAs present at the oath-taking ceremony were aware of the development and that they were there only because Ajit Pawar called them.
“Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan. Before we could understand oath ceremony was complete. I then rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him I am with Sharad Pawar and NCP,” MLA Rajendra Shingane told the media.
'All MLAs Must Know There is Anti-Defection Law': Sharad Pawar
Addressing the media, Sharad Pawar reminded the defecting MLAs of the anti-defection law.
“All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high,” he said.
'Ajit Submitted List Signed by MLAs as Letter of Support': Sharad Pawar
NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said that Ajit Pawar might have submitted the MLA-list signed by them to claim support.
“Parties had their MLAs list signed by all MLAs, a similar list of NCP was with Ajit Pawar, as he is CLP of NCP. I assume that he has submitted the same list. I am not sure about this but I suspect that this may be the case. We will discuss with Governor,” he said.
“I don't know if he(Ajit Pawar) has done this fearing investigating agencies or not. As per my source, 10-11 MLAs were there in Raj Bhavan and out of those, 3 are already here sitting with me,” Sharad Pawar said.
“Action against Ajit Pawar will be taken as per the procedure,” he added.
He also said that a new NCP legislative party leader will be elected here at 4 pm.
'Let The Try and Break Sena MLAs': Uddhav Thackeray
Uddhav Thackeray alleged that Ajit Pawar backstabbed Sena and warned the BJP against poaching their MLAs.
“Earlier EVM khel was going on and now this is new khel. From here onwards I don't think elections are even needed.Everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back,” he said.
“Let them try and break Shiv Sena MLAs , Maharashtra will not stay asleep,” he added.
'Ajit Pawar Has Been Blackmailed': Sanjay Raut
Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that Ajit Pawar ‘kidnapped’ MLAs to go to Raj Bhavan and said that he was being blackmailed into supporting the BJP.
“Of the eight MLAs who had gone with Ajit Pawar, five of them have come back. They were lied to, put in a car, and sort of kidnapped. Prove majority in Vidhan Sabha if you have the guts,” he said.
“We are in touch with Dhananjay Munde and there is a possibility of even Ajit Pawar coming back. Ajit has been blackmailed, it will be exposed who is behind this, in Saamna newspaper soon,” he added.
'Black day for Democracy in Maharashtra': Congress Adresses Media
Addressing the media, the Congress said that it was a ‘black day for democracy in Maharashtra.’
“Today was a black spot in the history of Maharashtra. Everything was done in a hushed manner and early morning. Something is wrong somewhere. Nothing can be more shameful than this,” Congress leader Ahmed Patel said.
“All the three(Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena) parties are together in this and I am confident we will defeat BJP in the trust vote. All Congress MLAs are present here except two who are right now in their village, but they too are with us,” he added.
Patel said that the Congress will fight this on both fronts, political and legal.
Alliance of Sena-Cong-NCP Intact: Nawab Malik
The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance is intact, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said on Saturday.
Malik said some MLAs were deluded into attending the ceremony in which Pawar took oath as deputy CM, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“Many of those MLAs who were deluded into attending the oath taking ceremony met Sharad Pawar saheb and will be present in his Press conference here later today,” Malik said.
“The Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP MLAs are together,” Malik told reporters.
AIADMK Greets Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Saturday greeted BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar for taking over as Chief Minister and Deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, respectively, early in the day.
AIADMK Coordinator and state deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam extended his greetings to the two leaders on Twitter.
"I extend my greetings (to both) to work towards a sustained growth of Maharashtra," he said in a tweet.
The AIADMK is a constituent of the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
'Sena Betrayed People': Prakash Javadekar
Congratulating Devendra Fadnavis on becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra once again, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said the Shiv Sena betrayed the people of the state by deciding to go with the Congress.
"Congratulations to Devendra Fadnavis for becoming the CM of Maharashtra and he becoming the CM is the respect to the mandate given by people," Javadekar said in a tweet.
"People had voted for BJP alliance. Shiv Sena betrayed people & peoples' mandate & decided to go with the Congress, which opposed Ram Mandir & Veer Savarkar; Shiv Sena was happy to go with the Congress, which is synonymous to corruption & had imposed emergency," he said in another tweet.
"How absurd the argument of Shiv Sena is - If Shiv Sena goes with the NCP it is good and if NCP MLAs come with BJP it is bad. Today what has been honoured is "Peoples' Mandate," the minister said.
Sordid Manipulation by BJP: CPI(M)
Accusing the BJP of "sordid manipulation", the CPI(M) on Saturday said it could do anything to "grab power", referring to the government formation by the saffron party in Maharashtra, backed by the NCP.
"Sordid manipulations for grabbing power. The political immorality of the BJP has reached its nadir. The clandestine manner in which the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra have been sworn in shows the extent to which the BJP can stoop to grab power," the Left party said in a statement.
Maha Govt Formation Undemocratic: AAP
The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday said the formation of government in Maharashtra was "undemocratic" and it "disrespected" the mandate of people of the state.
Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh questioned how the government formation was done in Maharashtra without even getting the majority.
Anything Can Happen in Cricket and Politics': Gadkari
Commenting on the government formation in Maharashtra, Union Minister and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said, “ I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant.”
BJP Addresses Media as Fadnavis Joins Hands With Ajit Pawar to Grab Power in Maharashtra
Mumbai is the financial capital of India and Maharashtra is a big state. It was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor.
Congress Likely to move MLAs Out of Maharashtra
Congress is planning to move its MLAs out of Maharashtra, ANI reported. They will be moved to a Congress ruled state.
‘Can’t Speak on Those Who Couldn’t Uphold Balasaheb’s Values’: BJP Addresses Media
Addressing the media for the BJP, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress saying that the parties had come together despite ideological differences only for personal gains.
He also claimed that the BJP had a lot to be credited for the success of the Shiv Sena in the state elections.
“Throughout the election campaign, Devendra Fadnavis' name was projected as the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Support base of BJP and the prospect of Devendra Fadnavis becoming CM, played a crucial role in success of Shiv Sena candidates,” he said.
“Mumbai is the financial capital of India and Maharashtra is a big state. It was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor,” he added.
Congress Randeep Surjewala Addresses Media Over Maharashtra Government Formation
Fadnavis Addresses Rally After Returning as Maharashtra CM
Ajit Pawar Holds Meet With Senior NCP Leaders
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is holding a meeting with NCP MP Sunil Tatkare and NCP MLAs Dilip Walse Patil and Hasan Mushrif at his brother Sriniwas Pawar's residence. Security has been heightened outside the residence of Sriniwas Pawar.
Dhananjay Munde Arrives For NCP Meet, Two More MLAs Reassert Loyalty to Sharad Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde, arrived at Mumbai’s YV Chavan Centre for the NCP meeting called by Sharad Pawar.
Two NCP MLAs reasserted their loyalty to Sharad Pawar. Nationalist Congress Party MLA Atul Benke said in Mumbai, “I am with Sharad Pawar Ji. We all are together.”
NCP MLA Diliprao Bankar tweeted, "My faith is on Sharad Pawar, I am with the NCP only. I went to Raj Bhavan when Ajit Pawar asked me to go with him".
NCP Workers Raise Slogans Against Ajit Pawar
NCP workers in Mumbai raised slogans against party leader Ajit Pawar for siding with the BJP to form a government in Maharashtra on Saturday.
The angry workers also hit Ajit Pawar's portrait with footwear, saying he had betrayed the party.
As the news about Pawar's unexpected move spread, local NCP workers gathered at the party's district office in Naupada area and shouted slogans against him.
The protest was led by NCP leader in Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Milind Patil. Several women workers also joined them.
A similar protest was also held at Kalyan in the district.
Sena Moves MLAs to Hotel in Mumbai to Avoid Poaching
Stunned by NCP chief Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar's move to help the BJP form a government in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena has brought its 55 MLAs in a hotel in Navi Mumbai to avoid poaching, IANS reported.
According to a Shiv Sena source, 55 out of 56 MLAs have been brought at the Hotel Lalit in Navi Mumbai. All the legislators have been asked to submit their mobile phones and two MLAs are being allotted to a room to keep a close vigil on their movements.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray also reached the hotel to meet their legislators.
'Rebel' NCP MLAs Flown to Delhi
NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who struck up an alliance on Saturday morning with the BJP and was sworn-in as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, is said to have support of 10-11 party MLAs, out of whom 9 were flown to Delhi on a chartered flight, according to IANS.
The lawmakers who headed to the national capital were Daulat Daroda, Narhari Zirwar, Sunil Bhusara, Dilip Bankar, Anil Patil, Nitin Pawar, Sunil Shelke, Babasaheb Patil and Sanjay Banson.
This shifting of 'rebel' NCP MLAs shifting to Delhi takes place against the backdrop of Congress deciding to move its MLAs to Bhopal. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLAs too are likely to be moved to Jaipur from Mumbai.
Uddhav Thackeray Leaves Mumbai Hotel After Meeting Sena MLAs
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray left after meeting with the 55 Sena MLAs who have been moved to the Lalit Hotel in Mumbai.
Sena-NCP-Cong Move SC Against Fadnavis & Pawar Taking Oath
The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress on Saturday approached the Supreme Court against the "arbitrary and malafide actions/decisions" of Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in swearing in Devendra Fadnavis as the chief minister, PTI reported.
The party has filed a writ petition in the apex court against the state governor, a Sena functionary said here.
42 NCP MLAs at NCP Meet Called by Sharad Pawar in Mumbai
42 NCP MLAs are present in the meeting with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai, ANI reported.
Another ‘rebel’ MLA, Babasaheb Patil arrived for the NCP meet in Mumbai around 6.40 pm. He’s the latest of the ‘rebel MLAs who has arrived for the party meet called by Sharad Pawar.
Sena-NCP-Cong Demand Floor Test Within 24 Hours
The Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP have demanded that a floor test be conducted within 24 hours.
NCP Removes Ajit Pawar as Legislative Party Leader, Replaces Him With Jayant Patil
NCP leader Jayant Patil has been selected to replace Ajit Pawar as NCP legislative party leader, ANI reported.
Ajit Pawar Removed as NCP Legislative Party Leader
The NCP removed Ajit Pawar as legislative party leader, ANI reported.
Sena-Cong-NCP Plea Registered in SC Says Report
The Shiv Sena-Cong-NCP's plea has been registered in the Supreme Court, India Today reported. Sharad Pawar says, all under control.
Requested For Floor Test Tomorrow Itself: Cong-NCP-Sena
“In our petition, we requested SC for an urgent direction for a Floor Test to be held tomorrow itself. We are hopeful the Supreme Court will hear us. Our petition has been numbered, Senior Advocate Devadutt Kamat for Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena said in a statement to ANI.
BJP Carried out 'Furgical' Strike in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that the BJP had carried out a ‘furgical’ strike in Maharashtra, ANI reported.
Jayant Patil Replaces Ajit Pawar as Legislative Party Leader: NCP
NCP leader Nawab Malik, after the meeting of party MLAs said, “A resolution was passed unanimously that the party does not endorse Ajit Pawar's decision. He has been removed as NCP legislative party leader. Till the election of new leader, Jayant Patil is given responsibilities of the post.”
SC To Hear Cong-Sena-NCP Plea at 11.30 am on Sunday
Supreme Court to hear joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Indian National Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form the government on Sunday at 11.30 am.
50 MLAs With Us, Says NCP: Report
NCP says that 50 MLAs are with the party, and that only 4 MLAs including Ajit Pawar are not with Sharad Pawar, CNN News18 reported.
NCP MLAs Being Moved to Mumbai's Renaissance Hotel Post Meeting
NCP MLAs in Mumbai were ferried to Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai’s Powai, following the party meeting with Sharad Pawar.
President Should Intervene in Maharashtra: Ashok Gehlot
The President should intervene in the Maharashtra matter, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said.
BJP Feels Replacement of Ajit Pawar by Jayant Patil as NCP Legislative Leader Invalid
“Bharatiya Janata Party is of the view that Ajit Pawar's appointment as NCP legislative party leader was valid and appointment of Jayant Patil in his place today is invalid,” BJP leader Ashish Shelar said in Mumbai.
Justices Ramana, Bhushan and Khanna to Hear Plea on 24 November
A bench of Justice NV Ramana, Justice Ashok Bhushan, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be the ones hearing the joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress on Sunday, 24 November, at 11.30 am.
NCP MLAs Arrive at Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai
Nationalist Congress Party MLAs have arrived at the Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai, following the party meeting with Sharad Pawar.
Ajit Pawar Leaves From Sriniwas Pawar's Residence
Ajit Pawar leaves from his brother Sriniwas Pawar's residence.
Ajit Pawar Met Lawyers, BJP Leaders at Night: Report
Ajit Pawar reportedly held a meeting with lawyers and senior BJP leaders at night. India Today TV reported, quoting sources, that Pawar was exploring his legal option to see if he can still issue a whip.
Preparations for Swearing-In Began Late Friday Night: Report
Preparations for the early morning swearing-in of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis began in the dead of the night on Friday, a report by Hindustan Times said, quoting officials with knowledge of the developments.
Negotiations between the Bharatiya Janata Party and dissident Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar reportedly sealed the pact late on Friday. The parties then rushed to the Raj Bhavan and presented letters of support to governor BS Koshyari.
Shahapur NCP MLA Goes ‘Missing’, Police Complaint Filed
Shahapur NCP MLA Daulat Daroda went 'missing' after reaching Raj Bhavan in south Mumbai the morning where Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar took oath as chief minister and deputy CM, respectively.
Daroda had left his constituency, in neighbouring Thane, along with his son Karan on Friday night and has since been unreachable after reaching Mumbai, said an official.
Former MLA Pandurang Barora approached Shahapur police station and filed a missing complaint about Daroda, he added. Meanwhile, Daroda's son Karan told reporters in Mumbai later that his father was not in touch even with him since the Saturday morning.
Sibal to Represent Shiv Sena, Singhvi to Represent NCP
Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal will represent the Shiv Sena in the Supreme Court, while the NCP will be represented by another senior lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The Centre will be represented by Attorney General KK Venugopal.
BJP MP Sanjay Kakade Meets Sharad Pawar Before SC Hearing
Ahead of Supreme Court hearing, BJP MP Sanjay Kakade met NCP chief Sharad Pawer at his residence in Mumbai. Newly-appointed legislative party leader Jayant Patil also reached Pawar’s home for a meet.
Ajit Pawar's Removal as NCP Legislature Unit Head Invalid: BJP
The BJP on Sunday, 24 November, objected to the removal of Ajit Pawar as leader of the NCP legislature party, saying it was "invalid".
BJP leader Ashish Shelar told reporters that Ajit Pawar's replacement with Jayant Patil was done at the NCP's legislature wing meeting where all MLAs of the Sharad Pawar-led party were not present.
"The letter of support to the governor was given by Ajit Pawar as leader of the NCP's legislature party. Pawar's replacement with Jayant Patil is invalid," Shelar said.
"The petition in the Supreme Court (filed by the Shiv Sena and others against the governor's decision of swearing in Fadnavis) doesn't challenge the 30 October appointment of Ajit Pawar as the legislature party leader," the BJP MLA said.
Governor Accepted False Documents from Ajit Pawar: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, on Sunday, said, “Ajit Pawar took false documents to Raj Bhawan yesterday and governor accepted those documents. Even if today, Governor asks us to prove majority, we can do it right now. 49 NCP MLAs are with us.”
He also said the deadline of 30 November given to the government to prove majority is only to enable defections.
NCP Leader Jayant Patil Meets Maha Guv
Ahead of Supreme Court hearing, NCP's Jayant Patil reached Raj Bhawan with letter to governor informing Ajit Pawar's replacement as legislature party leader.
Sibal Cites Karnataka Precedent, Demands Immediate Floor Test
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Shiv Sena, cited 2018 Karnataka precedent and the Supreme Court order in the case.
In that case, SC had cut short 15 days given by Governor to BJP for floor test and asked them to prove majority in 48 hours.
Terming Governor’s actions as biased and malafide, Sibal demanded immediate floor test in Maharashtra.
Mukul Rohatgi, Tushar Mehta Counter Joint Petition
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appears in SC for some BJP and independent MLAs, says this plea should have been filed in Bombay HC.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appears for Centre, says combine does not have fundamental right to form govt, their plea can't be allowed.
‘Is This Not Murder of Democracy?’ Asks Singhvi in SC
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Cong-NCP, asks how Governor could be satisfied that NCP MLAs supported Ajit Pawar when 41 NCP MLAs at 3:30 pm on Saturday said they didn't support him and they were the NCP.
“Is this not murder of democracy?”, Singhvi asked in court.
Fadnavis Has Support of Over 170 MLAs, Will Prove Majority: BJP's Ashish Shelar
The BJP on Sunday, 24 November, expressed confidence that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will prove his government's majority in the state Assembly, claiming he has the support of more than 170 MLAs.
Talking to reporters, BJP leader Ashish Shelar said Fadnavis will provide a stable and strong government.
"With Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar having taken oath, there is a sense of happiness and positivity among people," he said.
"Fadnavis has the support of more than 170 MLAs and the BJP government will prove majority on the floor of the House," he said.
NCP, Sena, Cong Shift MLAs to Hotels Amid Poaching Threat
Amid the high political drama in Maharashtra and threat of 'poaching' of MLAs, the NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena have shifted their legislators to different luxury hotels in Mumbai.
While the Congress moved its MLAs to the JW Marriott hotel in Juhu area, the NCP legislators were staying at The Renaissance hotel in Powai, sources told PTI.
Besides, the Shiv Sena MLAs are staying at The Lalit hotel located near the international airport in Mumbai, they said.
The Congress legislators were earlier supposed to leave for Jaipur, but later decided to stay in Mumbai in view of the fast-paced political developments here, they added.
NCP Contacts 3 'Missing' MLAs, Claims They Are With Party
The NCP has claimed that three of its five MLAs, who went 'missing' on Saturday, 23 November, after attending the swearing in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra's Chief Minister along with NCP's Ajit Pawar as his deputy, have been contacted and they are with the party.
Till Sunday morning, five NCP MLAs - Daulat Daroda (Shahapur), Nitin Pawar (Kalwan), Narhari Zhirwal (Dindori), Babasaheb Patil (Ahmedpur), Anil Patil (Amalner) - were reported 'missing', party spokesperson Nawab Malik said.
The party has been able to contact Anil Patil, Babasaheb Patil and Daroda, he said.
'Missing' NCP MLA Tells Family "Not to Worry About Him"
NCP MLA Nitin Pawar, for whom a missing person's complaint was filed, recorded a video from an undisclosed location, according to ANI and said, “I request my family and the people to not worry about me. I am with Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal. Nothing otherwise should be thought, by my family and people.”
NCP MLA Who Accompanied Ajit Pawar to Guv's House to Meet Sharad Pawar in Hotel
NCP MLA Manikrao Kokate has reached Renaissance Hotel where other MLAs of the party are staying. He had reportedly accompanied Dy CM Ajit Pawar to the Governor’s residence and was missing since yesterday. NCP chief Sharad Pawar is present at the hotel to meet the MLAs.
Uddhav, Aaditya Meet NCP MLAs in Mumbai Hotel
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray reached Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai to meet NCP MLAs.
Fadnavis Arrives for BJP Legislative Meeting in Mumbai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devndra Fadnavis, on Sunday 24 November, arrived at the BJP’s office in Mumbai for a meeting of legislators.
Fadnavis was accompanied by Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
NCP's Supriya Sule Tweets Photo With Shiv Sena Top Brass
BJP Addresses Media After Legislative Meet, Says Discussed Floor Test Strategy
BJP MLA Ashish Shelar, after the BJP legislative meet, addressed the media saying that the party discussed and decided the strategy to win the floor test.
Sharad Pawar is NCP's Leader: Ajit Pawar Tries to Clear the Air Over Split
Trying to clear the air over the rumours on a potential split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, on Monday 24 November, said that Sharad Pawar is NCP’s true leader.
He said that he is, will and shall always be with NCP.
Senior-Most MLA Should be Pro-Tem Speaker: Cong's Ashok Chavan
Senior-most member of the assembly should be made the Pro-tem Speaker as per the precedence. BJP is trying to gain more time from the Supreme Court, you can understand the motive behind this, they are trying to poach MLAs from other parties.
No Question of Forming Alliance with BJP, NCP Allies with Cong, Sena: Sharad Pawar
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, clearing the air over NCP’s support to BJP, said that there is no question of forming an alliance with BJP.
He said that the NCP has unanimously decided to ally with Shiv Sena and Congress to form the government. “Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people,” he said.
NCP's Nawab Malik Says Has Support of Over 50 MLAs
Nationalist Congress Party leader Nawab Malik, on Sunday, 24 November, said that the party has the support of over 50 MLAs and the four MLAs kept by the BJP are in constant touch with NCP, and will come back eventually.
NCP MLA Present at Ajit's Swearing-In Says Won't Support BJP, with NCP
NCP MLA Dilip Bankar, who was reportedly present at swearing-in ceremony of Ajit Pawar, on Sunday 24 November, said that he couldn't come to meeting yesterday, since his son had taken ill.
Cong Leader Ahmed Patel Arrives at JW Marriott, Cong MLAs Stationed in Hotel
Senior congress leader Ahmed Patel arrived at the JW Marriott Hotel, where Congress MLAs are currently lodged.
Other party leaders Ashok Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat, Sushil Kumar Shinde, and Mallikarjun Kharge are already present at the hotel.
Ajit Pawar Leaves from his Residence to Meet Fadnavis
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar leaves from his private residence in south Mumbai. Pawar will be meeting CM Fadnavis shortly.
NCP MLAs Reach Hyatt Mumbai from Renaissance
The bus carrying Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs reaches Hotel Hyatt from Hotel Renaissance, where the MLAs were lodged earlier.
Ajit Pawar Meets Fadnavis; CMO Says They Discussed Farmers’ Issues
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met on Sunday, 24 November and discussed on various measures for additional support and assistance to unseasonal rain affected farmers, the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office official Twitter handle said.
"Tomorrow it will be further discussed with the Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary," it added.
NCP Claims Support of All MLAs
Speaking to ANI, NCP leader Nawab Malik said 52 MLAs of the party have came back to them while one more is in touch.