News Analysis India

Tag: Ajit Pawar

  • Modi 3.0: Cabinet sees 6 Maharashtra ministers including Gadkari, Goyal; State’s strength dips by 2

    Mumbai: Six MPs from Maharashtra have joined the Modi 3.0 coalition government, with the BJP securing four positions and allies Shiv Sena and RPI (A) receiving one each. Notably, the NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar declined the BJP’s offer of Minister of State (MoS) with independent charge, insisting on a cabinet berth for Praful Patel.During the second term of the Modi government from 2019-24, there were eight ministers from Maharashtra representing the BJP and its allies. This number has decreased to six as of Sunday.In the new government, BJP MPs Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal retained their positions as cabinet ministers.Raksha Khadse, the sole woman MP from Maharashtra representing the BJP, along with first-time MP Murlidhar Mohol, were sworn in as Ministers of State.AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesAmong the BJP’s allies, RPI (A) chief Ramdas Athawale retained his position as Minister of State with independent charge, while Prataprao Jadhav from the Shiv Sena, under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, also took oath as Minister of State with independent charge.The NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, declined the offer of Minister of State, insisting on a cabinet berth for Rajya Sabha member Praful Patel due to his extensive experience.Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said coalition formulas must be respected, assuring the NCP would be considered in future cabinet expansions. “We had offered one berth of minister with independent charge to the NCP but they wanted Praful Patel’s name to be finalised. Due to his experience, the NCP believed he could not be made MoS with independent charge,” Fadnavis said.

    In a coalition government, a formula has to be drawn, which cannot be broken for one party, he said.

    “I can confidently say whenever cabinet expansion takes place, the government will consider the NCP. We did try to include NCP right now, but they insisted on cabinet portfolio,” the senior BJP leader said.

    Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Ajit Pawar asserted the NCP “was ready to wait” but wanted a cabinet berth.

    The eight ministers from Maharashtra who were part of the Modi-led government from 2019-24 included Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Narayan Rane, Bhagwat Karad, Raosaheb Danve, Bharti Pawar and Kapil Patil- all from BJP, and Ramdas Athawale of the RPI (A).

    In the recently held Lok Sabha elections, the BJP fared poorly in Maharashtra as it could win only nine seats, compared to the 2019 tally of 23 out of the total 48 constituencies in the state. The Shiv Sena led by Shinde bagged seven seats and Ajit Pawar-led NCP just one.

    Gadkari, Goyal, Khadse and Mohol won from Nagpur, Mumbai North, Raver and Pune Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively, in the recent elections.

    Notably, the BJP did not re-induct Narayan Rane in the Union cabinet though he won from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha seat.

    Three other BJP ministers – Raosaheb Danve, Bharati Pawar, and Kapil Patil- in the previous government lost the elections this time.

    Inputs from PTI

  • Who Benefits From Shinde-Sena Vs Sena-UBT And NCP-Ajit Vs NCP-Sharad Battle In Maharashtra? |

    The Election Commission of India yesterday ruled in favour of the Ajit Pawar faction terming it the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The order came as a setback for Sharad Pawar as his party is set to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. However, it’s the BJP which may emerge as a winner in the battle of Shiv Sena and NCP. The BJP has allied with both the rebel factions – Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and NCP led by Ajit Pawar. This will boost the party’s prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and it will be crucial in BJP’s mission ‘Abki Bar 400 Paar’.

    With the recent political developments in Bihar, the BJP has already got an upper hand there and now it’s trying to better its poll prospects in Maharashtra. In the 2019 Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of the 48 seats. At that time, Shiv Sena was its ally, and it secured 18 seats. Thus the NDA had bagged 40 of the 48 seats. But since Uddhav Thackeray left the NDA and joined the Congress-NCP alliance, the BJP has recalibrated its strategy this time, sidelining Shiv Sena-UBT and Sharad Pawar-led NCP. With the NCP and Shiv Sena already splitting into two factions, the BJP stands to gain the seats where it has been traditionally weak earlier against NCP and Shiv Sena.

    Sharad Pawar, who separated from Congress to form the NCP in 1999, is now at the centre of a political storm. The recent political developments, including Ajit Pawar’s rebellion and NCP’s affiliation with Congress, have created uncertainty about how Sharad Pawar will lead the new party forward. While it is certain that Ajit Pawar’s entry and his leadership may attract the youth, the future remains uncertain.

    Sharad Pawar is still active in politics, but his influence is limited to certain regions. With the departure of prominent leaders like Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, even his nephews joining politics has left a gap in his leadership. The split in the massive vote bank of the NCP is likely to benefit the BJP-led coalition. Sharad Pawar has mentioned bringing in new faces to the party, but for now, his nephew seems to be dominating the political scene.

    The split between Shiv Sena and NCP has significantly benefited the BJP. Not only did they come to power in the state, but they also weakened the opposition considerably. BJP’s leaders have gained a strong foothold. The impact of this realignment will be evident in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, it’s likely that Ajit Pawar’s NCP, if pitched against Sharad Pawar in the latter’s stronghold may not do well in some of those seats. Opposite to that, Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena is likely to do better against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena because traditionally the Shiv Sena supporters have been against the Congress.

    The alliance with NCP in Maharashtra is expected to benefit the BJP in various regions, especially in western Maharashtra, where NCP has had a stronghold. The BJP’s strategy, if successful, could lead to achieving its goal of 45 seats and further consolidating its position in the state. The alliances with Shiv Sena and NCP may pave the way for an easier accomplishment of the “Mission 400+” in the upcoming elections.

  • NCP split: Sharad Pawar attends disqualification petition hearing; MP Sunil Tatkare cross examined

    Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar on Thursday attended the hearing at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan of the disqualification petitions filed in connection with the split in the party in July last year after Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs joined the Ekanth Shinde government. The former Union minister was present for an hour at the hearing, being held by Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, while the Ajit Pawar faction was represented by Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare, sources said.

    Tatkare was cross examined by lawyers from the Sharad Pawar faction, they added.

    Incidentally, the Ajit Pawar faction has maintained the party has not split and has also questioned the internal election process prior to the events in July last year. Both factions have filed cross petitions with the speaker seeking disqualification of each other’s MLAs.

    The Supreme Court has set January 31 deadline for the speaker’s verdict in the NCP disqualification case.

  • Ajit Pawar bats for Bihar-like caste census, says govt positive about demands of Marathas, Dhangars

    By PTI

    PUNE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday batted for a “caste census” on the lines of the one conducted in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government and said such a move will help find the exact population of all communities so that proportionate benefits can be given accordingly.

    Addressing a public meeting in Madha in Solapur, Pawar also said the state government was positive about quota demands of the Maratha community.

    “I am of the opinion let there be a caste-based census here.The Bihar government carried it out in that state. With such an exercise, we will come to know the exact population of OBCs, SCs, STs, minorities, general category etc as benefits are given as per proportion of population,” he said.

    Informing that he, along with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had sought details of the caste survey in Bihar, Pawar said the exercise must be carried out in Maharashtra even if it costs “some thousand crores” as it will bring a “clear picture before the public”.

    Pawar said the state government was positive about quota demands of the Maratha and Dhangar communities, but with the emphasis that such a move must not affect the 62 per cent reservation in place (52 per cent for SCs, STs and OBCs, as well as 10 per cent for Economically Weaker Sections).

    “If reservation is given to Marathas and other communities from the existing 52 per cent, then those groups receiving benefits in this segment will be disappointed. Our efforts are to ensure quota provided above the 62 per cent at present is legally sustainable in the High Court and Supreme Court,” he said.

    Pawar said quota activist Manoj Jarange has sought Kunbi certificates for Marathas so that the latter can get benefits under the Other Backward Classes category, whereas groups from the OBC category are submitting memorandums that no other community must be included in their segment.

    He said the state government was working on the demand for providing Kunbi certificates by holding discussions with experts and noted lawyers, since any move that does not stand the test of law will make people claim the ruling dispensation cheated them.

    “The Dhangar community is seeking inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe category, while tribals are resisting it,” said the Nationalist Congress Party leader, who joined the Shinde government on July 2 this year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    PUNE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday batted for a “caste census” on the lines of the one conducted in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government and said such a move will help find the exact population of all communities so that proportionate benefits can be given accordingly.

    Addressing a public meeting in Madha in Solapur, Pawar also said the state government was positive about quota demands of the Maratha community.

    “I am of the opinion let there be a caste-based census here.The Bihar government carried it out in that state. With such an exercise, we will come to know the exact population of OBCs, SCs, STs, minorities, general category etc as benefits are given as per proportion of population,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Informing that he, along with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had sought details of the caste survey in Bihar, Pawar said the exercise must be carried out in Maharashtra even if it costs “some thousand crores” as it will bring a “clear picture before the public”.

    Pawar said the state government was positive about quota demands of the Maratha and Dhangar communities, but with the emphasis that such a move must not affect the 62 per cent reservation in place (52 per cent for SCs, STs and OBCs, as well as 10 per cent for Economically Weaker Sections).

    “If reservation is given to Marathas and other communities from the existing 52 per cent, then those groups receiving benefits in this segment will be disappointed. Our efforts are to ensure quota provided above the 62 per cent at present is legally sustainable in the High Court and Supreme Court,” he said.

    Pawar said quota activist Manoj Jarange has sought Kunbi certificates for Marathas so that the latter can get benefits under the Other Backward Classes category, whereas groups from the OBC category are submitting memorandums that no other community must be included in their segment.

    He said the state government was working on the demand for providing Kunbi certificates by holding discussions with experts and noted lawyers, since any move that does not stand the test of law will make people claim the ruling dispensation cheated them.

    “The Dhangar community is seeking inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe category, while tribals are resisting it,” said the Nationalist Congress Party leader, who joined the Shinde government on July 2 this year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Shinde, Ajit men to meet Amit Shah as Maharashtra Cabinet’s rift over key portfolios deepens

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI:  A tug-of-war continues between Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP over allocations of key portfolios such as finance, urban development department, cooperation, irrigation and agriculture. Both sides have decided to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the issue.

    Sources said Shinde has refused to concede the key portfolios to NCP ministers, including Ajit Pawar, arguing that it will reduce his importance in the government.

    “Shinde has conveyed to the BJP leadership that unless Shiv Sena MLAs are sworn in, he will not allocate the portfolios to the NCP ministers. Shinde fears that after the allocation of portfolios to the NCP ministers, the BJP may not allow him further cabinet expansion. Shinde plans to meet top BJP leaders in Delhi,” said a source.

    Another senior minister said the BJP has conveyed it will be reluctant to induct Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale and Sanjay Shirsat into the cabinet.

    “Shinde told the BJP leadership that if these two faces — Gogawale and Shirsat ­- are not inducted, then he will have a tough time keeping the flock together.  Most of the Shiv Sena MLAs of Shinde factions already started extending olive branches to Uddhav Thackeray and opening the communications line. If a significant number of Shiv Sena MLAs join Uddhav Thackeray, then Shinde’s CM chair will be in trouble and his party will also face another split. This can damage the BJP. Therefore BJP needs to stand by him,” said a Shiv Sena minister.

    Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP chief (Ajit Pawar faction) said that there is no dispute over allocations of ministries.  

    MUMBAI:  A tug-of-war continues between Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP over allocations of key portfolios such as finance, urban development department, cooperation, irrigation and agriculture. Both sides have decided to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the issue.

    Sources said Shinde has refused to concede the key portfolios to NCP ministers, including Ajit Pawar, arguing that it will reduce his importance in the government.

    “Shinde has conveyed to the BJP leadership that unless Shiv Sena MLAs are sworn in, he will not allocate the portfolios to the NCP ministers. Shinde fears that after the allocation of portfolios to the NCP ministers, the BJP may not allow him further cabinet expansion. Shinde plans to meet top BJP leaders in Delhi,” said a source.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Another senior minister said the BJP has conveyed it will be reluctant to induct Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale and Sanjay Shirsat into the cabinet.

    “Shinde told the BJP leadership that if these two faces — Gogawale and Shirsat ­- are not inducted, then he will have a tough time keeping the flock together.  Most of the Shiv Sena MLAs of Shinde factions already started extending olive branches to Uddhav Thackeray and opening the communications line. If a significant number of Shiv Sena MLAs join Uddhav Thackeray, then Shinde’s CM chair will be in trouble and his party will also face another split. This can damage the BJP. Therefore BJP needs to stand by him,” said a Shiv Sena minister.

    Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP chief (Ajit Pawar faction) said that there is no dispute over allocations of ministries.  

  • Maharashtra power games: ‘I am still effective, whether I am 82 or 92’, says Sharad Pawar

    By ANI

    MUMBAI (Maharashtra): Amid a tussle in the Nationalist Congress Party between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, the former held a meeting on Thursday which Ajit Pawar called “illegal” and said that no one had the authority to call such meetings.

    The meeting was attended by leaders including Supriya Sule, Jitendra Awhad, AK Shashidharan, Mohd Faizal, Fauzia Khan, PC Chacko, KK Sharma, K Thomas, Pithambaran Master and others, which focused on several national issues, including recent political developments in Maharashtra, said Mahesh Tapase, Chief Spokesperson of the NCP.

    Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar asserted that his effectiveness remains unchanged regardless of whether he is 82 or 92 years old.

    “I am still effective, whether I am 82 or 92,” said Sharad Pawar after the party’s national executive meeting in Delhi in response to recent remarks about his age made by his nephew Ajit Pawar.

    Ajit Pawar’s comment stirred discontent among party members and loyalists, triggering a series of reactions.

    Ajit Pawar had indirectly blamed Sharad Pawar, who is 82 years old, for the NCP’s missed opportunity to have a Chief Minister in Maharashtra despite having the support of a majority of MLAs in 2014.

    Sharad Pawar asserted that he is still the president of the NCP.

    “Today’s meeting helped boost our morale. I am president of the NCP,” he said as he presided over a crucial national executive meeting in New Delhi.

    Sharad Pawar said, “Now, whatever we need to say, we will say it before the Election Commission of India.”

    The working committee of NCP headed by Sharad Pawar has approved his decision of “expelling Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare and nine MLAs who have joined hands with the NDA.”

    The working committee of the Nationalist Congress Party passed eight resolutions in the meeting.

    Sharad Pawar, who addressed a crucial party meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday, convened a working committee meeting in the national capital.

    The working committee approved the decision taken by National President Sharad Pawar to expel Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and 9 MLAs from Maharashtra for anti-party activities. They have been absolved of all responsibilities associated with the NCP, announced PC Chacko.

    “The working committee also expressed concern regarding communal tension in Manipur and criticised the BJP for misusing central agencies against the opposition. The committee condemned the Modi government’s failure in handling price rise, unemployment and women’s safety,” the release stated.

    After the meeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived at Sharad Pawar’s residence in Delhi.

    Notably, Congress and NCP were alliance partners in Maharashtra with Udhav Thackeray Shiv Sena faction, before Ajit Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Sunday.

    Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar appointed Narendra Rane as Mumbai’s Working President of the party.

    Pawar handed over the appointment letter to Rane and also congratulated him.

    However, the Ajit Pawar faction has claimed that the meeting of the national executive, national working committee, national office bearers, and state party presidents of NCP called by Sharad Pawar in New Delhi on Thursday has no legal sanctity.

    Ajit Pawar faction claimed that the dispute of representing real NCP is within the jurisdiction of the ECI and no one has any authority to call any meeting till the dispute is settled by the ECI.

    “The dispute on the question of who represents the real NCP is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the ECI and therefore no person within the party has any authority to call for any meeting of the National Executive/National Working Committee/ National Office Bearers / State Party Presidents till such time the dispute is finally decided by the ECI,” said a press note released by the Ajit Pawar faction.

    “The meeting of the National Executive, National Working Committee, National Office Bearers or State Party Presidents of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on July 6 has no legal sanctity whatsoever,” the statement said.

    “Further, any of the decisions which may be taken in the so-called National Executive, National Working Committee, National Office Bearers or State Party Presidents shall have no valid legal basis and shall not be binding on anyone in the Party,” the statement said further.

    The statement added that Ajit Pawar has been elected as the National President of NCP on June 30 with the overwhelming support of the majority of elected representatives of NCP as well as the members working on different organizational posts.

    “Ajit Pawar has also filed a petition before the Hon’ble Election Commission of India (ECI), stating that he represents the real NCP and therefore, the name of the party along with the symbol be granted to him,” the statement further said.

    Moreover, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reacted to Ajit Pawar joining hands with BJP in the state and said that he has expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Shinde also said that Maharashtra Government has “become even stronger with the joining of Ajit Pawar.”

    Speaking on the development of the state under the double-engine govt, Shinde said that Ajit Pawar too has accepted that there is development in the state and shared thoughts on having a double-engine govt in the state.

    Maharashtra CM spoke on the ideology of the party and said that “Our government’s role is to take Balaji Saheb ideology and Hindutva ideology forward and with that, have joined those ideologies with the development of the state.”

    Reacting to the split in NCP, former Maharashtra CM and senior Congress leader, Prithviraj Chavan said that this shows bitterness that was setting in for years, adding that the “split is real”.

    “Maybe there were a few faults in Pawar Saheb’s management of the party. Maybe he sidelined people to push forward his daughter, but this family dispute is affecting the state’s politics. So, I said that the split is real and there is bitterness,” he said.

    The NCP is facing a political crisis after Ajit Pawar joined the Shinde-BJP government. Eight other NCP MLAs also took the oath with him as ministers on Sunday. 

    MUMBAI (Maharashtra): Amid a tussle in the Nationalist Congress Party between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, the former held a meeting on Thursday which Ajit Pawar called “illegal” and said that no one had the authority to call such meetings.

    The meeting was attended by leaders including Supriya Sule, Jitendra Awhad, AK Shashidharan, Mohd Faizal, Fauzia Khan, PC Chacko, KK Sharma, K Thomas, Pithambaran Master and others, which focused on several national issues, including recent political developments in Maharashtra, said Mahesh Tapase, Chief Spokesperson of the NCP.

    Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar asserted that his effectiveness remains unchanged regardless of whether he is 82 or 92 years old.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “I am still effective, whether I am 82 or 92,” said Sharad Pawar after the party’s national executive meeting in Delhi in response to recent remarks about his age made by his nephew Ajit Pawar.

    Ajit Pawar’s comment stirred discontent among party members and loyalists, triggering a series of reactions.

    Ajit Pawar had indirectly blamed Sharad Pawar, who is 82 years old, for the NCP’s missed opportunity to have a Chief Minister in Maharashtra despite having the support of a majority of MLAs in 2014.

    Sharad Pawar asserted that he is still the president of the NCP.

    “Today’s meeting helped boost our morale. I am president of the NCP,” he said as he presided over a crucial national executive meeting in New Delhi.

    Sharad Pawar said, “Now, whatever we need to say, we will say it before the Election Commission of India.”

    The working committee of NCP headed by Sharad Pawar has approved his decision of “expelling Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare and nine MLAs who have joined hands with the NDA.”

    The working committee of the Nationalist Congress Party passed eight resolutions in the meeting.

    Sharad Pawar, who addressed a crucial party meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday, convened a working committee meeting in the national capital.

    The working committee approved the decision taken by National President Sharad Pawar to expel Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and 9 MLAs from Maharashtra for anti-party activities. They have been absolved of all responsibilities associated with the NCP, announced PC Chacko.

    “The working committee also expressed concern regarding communal tension in Manipur and criticised the BJP for misusing central agencies against the opposition. The committee condemned the Modi government’s failure in handling price rise, unemployment and women’s safety,” the release stated.

    After the meeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived at Sharad Pawar’s residence in Delhi.

    Notably, Congress and NCP were alliance partners in Maharashtra with Udhav Thackeray Shiv Sena faction, before Ajit Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Sunday.

    Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar appointed Narendra Rane as Mumbai’s Working President of the party.

    Pawar handed over the appointment letter to Rane and also congratulated him.

    However, the Ajit Pawar faction has claimed that the meeting of the national executive, national working committee, national office bearers, and state party presidents of NCP called by Sharad Pawar in New Delhi on Thursday has no legal sanctity.

    Ajit Pawar faction claimed that the dispute of representing real NCP is within the jurisdiction of the ECI and no one has any authority to call any meeting till the dispute is settled by the ECI.

    “The dispute on the question of who represents the real NCP is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the ECI and therefore no person within the party has any authority to call for any meeting of the National Executive/National Working Committee/ National Office Bearers / State Party Presidents till such time the dispute is finally decided by the ECI,” said a press note released by the Ajit Pawar faction.

    “The meeting of the National Executive, National Working Committee, National Office Bearers or State Party Presidents of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on July 6 has no legal sanctity whatsoever,” the statement said.

    “Further, any of the decisions which may be taken in the so-called National Executive, National Working Committee, National Office Bearers or State Party Presidents shall have no valid legal basis and shall not be binding on anyone in the Party,” the statement said further.

    The statement added that Ajit Pawar has been elected as the National President of NCP on June 30 with the overwhelming support of the majority of elected representatives of NCP as well as the members working on different organizational posts.

    “Ajit Pawar has also filed a petition before the Hon’ble Election Commission of India (ECI), stating that he represents the real NCP and therefore, the name of the party along with the symbol be granted to him,” the statement further said.

    Moreover, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reacted to Ajit Pawar joining hands with BJP in the state and said that he has expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Shinde also said that Maharashtra Government has “become even stronger with the joining of Ajit Pawar.”

    Speaking on the development of the state under the double-engine govt, Shinde said that Ajit Pawar too has accepted that there is development in the state and shared thoughts on having a double-engine govt in the state.

    Maharashtra CM spoke on the ideology of the party and said that “Our government’s role is to take Balaji Saheb ideology and Hindutva ideology forward and with that, have joined those ideologies with the development of the state.”

    Reacting to the split in NCP, former Maharashtra CM and senior Congress leader, Prithviraj Chavan said that this shows bitterness that was setting in for years, adding that the “split is real”.

    “Maybe there were a few faults in Pawar Saheb’s management of the party. Maybe he sidelined people to push forward his daughter, but this family dispute is affecting the state’s politics. So, I said that the split is real and there is bitterness,” he said.

    The NCP is facing a political crisis after Ajit Pawar joined the Shinde-BJP government. Eight other NCP MLAs also took the oath with him as ministers on Sunday. 

  • Rival NCP factions wrestle for party name and symbol

    By Online Desk

    CHENNAI: The rival factions of the NCP are putting their heads together in a bid to wrest the party name and symbol.

    The Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which palpably has the upper hand, has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) staking claim to the party name and symbol.

    Ajit claims he has the backing of 40 MLAs, MPs and MLCs. According to NDTV, the MLAs loyal to the Ajit Pawar faction are holed up in a hotel in Mumbai.

    It may be recalled that the Ajit Pawar faction, which joined the BJP-Shiv Sena Maharashtra government last week, held a meeting in Mumbai’s Bandra on Wednesday in a bid to prove their strength. As many as 32 of the 53 NCP legislators attended the meeting. 

    The meeting removed NCP chief Sharad Pawar from the top post of the party he founded and led for over two decades.

    Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar has called for a meeting in New Delhi, which will also be attended by NCP working president and MP Supriya Sule.

    Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday dubbed the political developments in Maharashtra as a “tamasha”, and said the law seems to allow it.

    CHENNAI: The rival factions of the NCP are putting their heads together in a bid to wrest the party name and symbol.

    The Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which palpably has the upper hand, has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) staking claim to the party name and symbol.

    Ajit claims he has the backing of 40 MLAs, MPs and MLCs. According to NDTV, the MLAs loyal to the Ajit Pawar faction are holed up in a hotel in Mumbai.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    It may be recalled that the Ajit Pawar faction, which joined the BJP-Shiv Sena Maharashtra government last week, held a meeting in Mumbai’s Bandra on Wednesday in a bid to prove their strength. As many as 32 of the 53 NCP legislators attended the meeting. 

    The meeting removed NCP chief Sharad Pawar from the top post of the party he founded and led for over two decades.

    Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar has called for a meeting in New Delhi, which will also be attended by NCP working president and MP Supriya Sule.

    Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday dubbed the political developments in Maharashtra as a “tamasha”, and said the law seems to allow it.

  • Ajit Pawar blames uncle for insulting him, denying Maharashtra top post

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: The Maharashtra NCP coup is complete and comprehensive. Sworn in Deputy Chief Minister just the other day, Ajit Pawar on Wednesday hit out at Sharad Pawar, saying his uncle wants to remain the party chief because he wants his daughter Supriya Sule to be the CM. He also said he was “insulted” several times in the past on the question of siding with either Shiv Sena or BJP. The new entrant to the Shinde-Fadnavis team opened up at the Bhujbal Knowledge City at Bandra West on Wednesday.

    “I have been deputy CM. We could have got the chief minister’s post, but my uncle refused it,” he said.“I am fed up with the DCM post. My son asks: ‘Papa how many times will you will be DCM?’” said Ajit.He said Sharad Pawar, 83, should gracefully retire from active politics and hand over the command to his nephew. Out of 53 NCP MLAs, 31 MLAs attended the meeting called by Ajit Pawar at Bandra.

    On the other hand, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said since the day he attended the Opposition meeting in Patna, he suspected that the BJP would split his family and the party. “I will again go to the people,” he said.

    The Sr Pawar’s speech was a veritable counter to Ajit Pawar’s allegations. On why he did not tie up with BJP and formed the government with Shiv Sena, Pawar said Shiv Sena’s Hindutva “is inclusive and takes all castes and communities together.  “It is not like BJP’s ‘myopic Hindutva’ dividing the people on the lines of caste and religion,” he said.

    But Ajit Pawar was unrelenting. “We were in talks with the BJP in 2014, 2016 and 2019. I was sent to talk with BJP; we finalized the distributions of cabinet portfolios. But his uncle changed his mind at the last moment. Due to this, I was humiliated and seen as a villain,” said Ajit.

    “If we can share power with Shiv Sena, then why not with the BJP?” asked Ajit. On his part, Sharad Pawar said the Ajit faction has criticized him but has retained Sr Pawar’s posters and banners.“They know they have no worth in the political market and will not fetch the votes. Therefore, they want to use my photograph. But people are shrewd enough to understand these things,” said senior Pawar.

    MUMBAI: The Maharashtra NCP coup is complete and comprehensive. Sworn in Deputy Chief Minister just the other day, Ajit Pawar on Wednesday hit out at Sharad Pawar, saying his uncle wants to remain the party chief because he wants his daughter Supriya Sule to be the CM. He also said he was “insulted” several times in the past on the question of siding with either Shiv Sena or BJP. The new entrant to the Shinde-Fadnavis team opened up at the Bhujbal Knowledge City at Bandra West on Wednesday.

    “I have been deputy CM. We could have got the chief minister’s post, but my uncle refused it,” he said.
    “I am fed up with the DCM post. My son asks: ‘Papa how many times will you will be DCM?’” said Ajit.
    He said Sharad Pawar, 83, should gracefully retire from active politics and hand over the command to his nephew. Out of 53 NCP MLAs, 31 MLAs attended the meeting called by Ajit Pawar at Bandra.

    On the other hand, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said since the day he attended the Opposition meeting in Patna, he suspected that the BJP would split his family and the party. “I will again go to the people,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Sr Pawar’s speech was a veritable counter to Ajit Pawar’s allegations. On why he did not tie up with BJP and formed the government with Shiv Sena, Pawar said Shiv Sena’s Hindutva “is inclusive and takes all castes and communities together.  “It is not like BJP’s ‘myopic Hindutva’ dividing the people on the lines of caste and religion,” he said.

    But Ajit Pawar was unrelenting. “We were in talks with the BJP in 2014, 2016 and 2019. I was sent to talk with BJP; we finalized the distributions of cabinet portfolios. But his uncle changed his mind at the last moment. Due to this, I was humiliated and seen as a villain,” said Ajit.

    “If we can share power with Shiv Sena, then why not with the BJP?” asked Ajit. On his part, Sharad Pawar said the Ajit faction has criticized him but has retained Sr Pawar’s posters and banners.“They know they have no worth in the political market and will not fetch the votes. Therefore, they want to use my photograph. But people are shrewd enough to understand these things,” said senior Pawar.

  • Tug of war among Maha Vikas Aghadi allies over seat sharing, ‘big brother’ status ahead of 2024 LS polls

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: The tug of war over seat sharing for Lok Sabha 2024 and Maharashtra Assembly elections has begun among the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance partners.

    The three major constituents of the MVA alliance are fighting over the ‘big brother’ status.

    Senior NCP leader and leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said that earlier Congress was the ‘big brother’ in their alliance, but now the NCP has acquired the status as they have higher MLA count in the Maharashtra Assembly. 

    The NCP has 54 MLAs and four Lok Sabha members from Maharashtra while Congress has 44 MLAs and only one Lok Sabha member from the state

    Pawar said that Congress used to get more seats than the NCP but now NCP will demand more seats on the basis of its current MLA strength in the state.

    However, former Maharashtra chief minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that there is no point giving importance to Ajit Pawar’s statement. He said that in alliance, the leaders have to make such a statement to motivate their cadre ahead of the elections.

    Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said there is no such thing as big brother and younger brother.

    “Congress is a national party and has always won the highest numbers of seats in India and in Maharashtra, but never treated its alliance partners with a big brother attitude. We never did injustice to alliance partners. Maha Vikas Aghadi has to work together to defeat the BJP,” Patole said.

    On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said that if the alliance partners of MVA want to defeat the BJP, then they all should be ready for compromise and sacrifice.

    He said Uddhav Thackeray rallies are pulling a huge crowd plus there is a sympathy wave for Uddhav Thackeray after BJP snatched the party, and its symbol after toppling the MVA government.

    “In the MVA meeting at NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s residence at Silver Oak, no seat distribution formula was discussed and finalized. We are all ready to defeat the BJP in Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. Karnataka has shown the way.

    Prithviraj Chavan said that there is a wave of change in India.

    “People want change and there is a huge current against the present BJP regime in India. BJP got decimated in Karnataka so things are very much clear that people are against the BJP and its anti-farmers and common man policies,” Chavan added.

    MUMBAI: The tug of war over seat sharing for Lok Sabha 2024 and Maharashtra Assembly elections has begun among the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance partners.

    The three major constituents of the MVA alliance are fighting over the ‘big brother’ status.

    Senior NCP leader and leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said that earlier Congress was the ‘big brother’ in their alliance, but now the NCP has acquired the status as they have higher MLA count in the Maharashtra Assembly. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The NCP has 54 MLAs and four Lok Sabha members from Maharashtra while Congress has 44 MLAs and only one Lok Sabha member from the state

    Pawar said that Congress used to get more seats than the NCP but now NCP will demand more seats on the basis of its current MLA strength in the state.

    However, former Maharashtra chief minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that there is no point giving importance to Ajit Pawar’s statement. He said that in alliance, the leaders have to make such a statement to motivate their cadre ahead of the elections.

    Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said there is no such thing as big brother and younger brother.

    “Congress is a national party and has always won the highest numbers of seats in India and in Maharashtra, but never treated its alliance partners with a big brother attitude. We never did injustice to alliance partners. Maha Vikas Aghadi has to work together to defeat the BJP,” Patole said.

    On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said that if the alliance partners of MVA want to defeat the BJP, then they all should be ready for compromise and sacrifice.

    He said Uddhav Thackeray rallies are pulling a huge crowd plus there is a sympathy wave for Uddhav Thackeray after BJP snatched the party, and its symbol after toppling the MVA government.

    “In the MVA meeting at NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s residence at Silver Oak, no seat distribution formula was discussed and finalized. We are all ready to defeat the BJP in Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. Karnataka has shown the way.

    Prithviraj Chavan said that there is a wave of change in India.

    “People want change and there is a huge current against the present BJP regime in India. BJP got decimated in Karnataka so things are very much clear that people are against the BJP and its anti-farmers and common man policies,” Chavan added.

  • Sharad Pawar does a U-turn, to stay as NCP chief

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: After all the drama, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Friday withdrew his resignation, checkmating nephew Ajit Pawar’s ambitions to align the party with the BJP. Significantly, Ajit was missing when Pawar senior announced the withdrawal of his resignation.

    Along with Ajit, powerful MLAs like Dilip Walse Patil, Chhagan Bhujbal and Dhananjay Munde, wanted to join hands with the BJP to enjoy power while staying out of the radar of central probe agencies. But Pawar Saheb refused to budge, said a well-placed source.

    Since Ajit kept pestering him, Sharad Pawar called a meeting of his family members that included spouse Pratibha Pawar and daughter Supriya Sule to discuss the way forward.

    That was when it was decided that Sharad Pawar will step down and Supriya will handle the party at the national level while Ajit would do so at the state level.

    “It was meant to insulate Sharad Pawar from the fallout of Ajit’s plan to ally with the BJP,” the source said.

    While Ajit wanted him to quit, Supriya was against it. A panel that discussed the resignation, passed a one-line resolution asking Pawar to withdraw it. Later in the evening, he accepted their decision. 

    Speaking at a press conference, Pawar, who had sprung a surprise by announcing his resignation three days ago, said he could not disrespect the sentiments of his colleagues and party workers who insisted that he withdraw his decision.

    “I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed by the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you, and honouring the decision of the committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire,” the veteran politician said amid a thunderous round of applause.

    “I will also work vigorously for the growth of the organisation and take our ideology and goals of the party to the people,” he added. 

    READ MORE:

    Sharad Pawar blames Congress for his nephew’s revolt against the party in 2019

    Uddhav failed to quell revolt, surrendered with no effort to save govt: Sharad Pawar

    MUMBAI: After all the drama, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Friday withdrew his resignation, checkmating nephew Ajit Pawar’s ambitions to align the party with the BJP. Significantly, Ajit was missing when Pawar senior announced the withdrawal of his resignation.

    Along with Ajit, powerful MLAs like Dilip Walse Patil, Chhagan Bhujbal and Dhananjay Munde, wanted to join hands with the BJP to enjoy power while staying out of the radar of central probe agencies. But Pawar Saheb refused to budge, said a well-placed source.

    Since Ajit kept pestering him, Sharad Pawar called a meeting of his family members that included spouse Pratibha Pawar and daughter Supriya Sule to discuss the way forward.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    That was when it was decided that Sharad Pawar will step down and Supriya will handle the party at the national level while Ajit would do so at the state level.

    “It was meant to insulate Sharad Pawar from the fallout of Ajit’s plan to ally with the BJP,” the source said.

    While Ajit wanted him to quit, Supriya was against it. A panel that discussed the resignation, passed a one-line resolution asking Pawar to withdraw it. Later in the evening, he accepted their decision. 

    Speaking at a press conference, Pawar, who had sprung a surprise by announcing his resignation three days ago, said he could not disrespect the sentiments of his colleagues and party workers who insisted that he withdraw his decision.

    “I cannot disrespect their feelings. I am overwhelmed by the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you, and honouring the decision of the committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire,” the veteran politician said amid a thunderous round of applause.

    “I will also work vigorously for the growth of the organisation and take our ideology and goals of the party to the people,” he added. 

    READ MORE:

    Sharad Pawar blames Congress for his nephew’s revolt against the party in 2019

    Uddhav failed to quell revolt, surrendered with no effort to save govt: Sharad Pawar