Maharashtra Crisis Live: Sharad Pawar Admits Trusting Wrong People, Vows Not To Repeat Mistake
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Maharashtra Political Crisis Live: Hello and welcome to Maharashtra Political Crisis live blog. Follow this space for all the latest updates and breaking news on the political crisis in Maharashtra....More
During a rally in Nashik, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar openly admitted his mistake in trusting certain individuals and assured the audience that he would not make the same mistake again. Pawar's candid admission comes amid internal party dissent, with rebel leaders raising concerns about his age and leadership ability. In response, Pawar stated unequivocally that he would continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of the party and its dedicated workers, dismissing any attempts to call his dedication into question-based on his age.
Sharad Pawar on Saturday said that all the rebel NCP MLAs will be disqualified. He also said that he was not retired and that 'I am fire' in response to Ajit Pawar's remark on his age. According to ANI, when asked about Praful Patel's allegations that he gave all powers to his daughter Supriya Sule, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that party workers wanted Supriya Sule to come to politics, and hence she fought Lok Sabha polls and won.
READ MORE | Sharad Pawar On Nephew Ajit Pawar's NCP Rebellion
Days after Ajit Pawar launched a 'revolution' in Maharashtra politics with eight other NCP MLAs, and amid speculation over a cabinet reshuffle, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said on Friday that Eknath Shinde's chief ministerial job may be jeopardised, news agency ANI reported. His estimations on 'government changes' come as reports surface of discontent in the Shinde camp amid worries of being ignored by the BJP and Pawar's rise. Read More Here.
Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narvekar issues notices to MLAs of both factions of Shiv Sena to give their reply on the issue of disqualification, as reported by ANI.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appoints Neelam Gorhe as 'Neta' in Shiv Sena. The senior-most leaders after the party president are given this post, as reported by ANI. The Uddhav Thackeray faction leader joined Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena yesterday in Mumbai.
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday dubbed the political developments in Maharashtra as a "tamasha", and said the law seems to allow it. He also said the political developments were about "loaves of power" and not people.
The remarks by Sibal, a noted advocate, came after NCP leader Ajit Pawar and eight others were inducted into the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government.
Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Neelam Gorhe joins Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, in Mumbai, as reported by ANI.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, "(We) don't need any mediator to speak to Raj Thackeray. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are brothers, they can talk to each other whenever they want. Everyone is aware of my friendship with Raj Thackeray."
Sharad Pawar faction will go to Election Commission tomorrow and submit documents to stake claim to NCP flag.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi meets NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Delhi.
NCP working committee meeting called by Sharad Pawar in Delhi has no legal sanctity, says Ajit Pawar group
"...This politics that Ajit Pawar has to be brought on board, was decided in Delhi. We believe that within a few months, perhaps before 10-11 August, a decision will have to be made in the ongoing action by Vidhan Sabha against Eknath Shinde. Perhaps he will be suspended because there is no way out...If the 16 MLAs & CM go out, a new CM will be needed. They will perhaps give the responsibility to Ajit Pawar. Maybe BJP's high command has placed its trust in Ajit Pawar...There is uncertainty in Maharashtra, this is not good for the state..." says former Maharashtra CM and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan.
I met Ajit Pawar today...He has made the right decision. I have been with him for many years...PM Narendra Modi is taking everyone together. Be it a Hindu, Muslim or a Dalit, PM Modi enjoys the support of everyone...Ajit Pawar told me that he had this thought in mind for quite some time. 2-3 meetings (within NCP) were also done to come together with the BJP but no conclusion was drawn, says Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.
“All is well and all will remain well,” says Supriya Sule ahead of the national executive meeting.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar reaches Delhi for the national executive meeting.
Old posters and hoardings of NCP that showed Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel on them are being removed from outside the office of the party in Delhi. A new poster with 'Gaddaar' (traitor) written on it is being put up there.
Posters saying "In the fight of truth and lie, the entire country is with Sharad Pawar" and "India's history is such that it has never forgiven those who have betrayed" come up outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence in Delhi ahead of the national executive meeting.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar leaves for Delhi where he will attend the national executive meeting.
"Under the leadership of CM Eknath Shinde, there was a meeting regarding upcoming session of the Lok Sabha, the session of Maharashtra Vidhansabha, what MLAs, MPs, MLCs should do in future, how to do development work, how to grow the organisation...There was no displeasure among our MLAs anywhere (regarding Ajit Pawar's arrival), we all have faith in Eknath Shinde...information about his (Eknath Shinde's) resignation are rumours...All MPs & MLAs elections will be held under leadership of Eknath Shinde," said Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant after Shiv Sena leaders meeting with Eknath Shinde.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar calls the party's National Executive meeting in Delhi tomorrow
Sharad Pawar loyalist, NCP MLA Rohit Pawar says, "When we entered politics in 2019 and contested the Vidhan Sabha election, Pawar Saheb was 82. Most of us were elected due to him. So, I don't think age matters much." "It is not as if existing MLAs alone are needed to win election, candidates are needed for it...This incident might give strength to a lot of people. Let's see," he says.
"Parties are not run by leaders but by workers, by ideology. Pawar Saheb kept an ideology intact for 60 years. Workers are working with that ideology. People will lose their faith in you if you keep changing your ideology," he added.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel are meeting each and every MLA one by one and guiding them at Hotel Taj.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar leaves from YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai amid sloganeering by his supporters there.
Today, the entire country is watching us...This meeting is historic for NCP. We have to keep marching ahead despite the hurdles in our way: NCP President Sharad Pawar, in Mumbai
NCP leaders of Ajit Pawar faction being taken to a hotel in a bus, after their meeting at MET Bandra in Mumbai.
"Disrespect us, but not our father (Sharad Pawar). This fight is against the BJP government. BJP is the most corrupt party in the country," said NCP Working President Supriya Sule, in Mumbai. The original NCP is with Sharad Pawar and the original symbol is us, said Sule.
Election Commission of India has received a petition from Ajit Pawar staking claim to Nationalist Congress Party and party symbol. The commission has also received a caveat from Jayant Patil that they have initiated disqualification process against 9 MLAs, reported ANI citing sources.
Addressing a NCP workers' meeting, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said that his political achievements till date is because of party chief and his uncle Sharad Pawar. "Whatever I am is because of Sharad Pawar," Ajit Pawar said.
Following MLAs have not reached any of the NCP meet places yet.
Ashutosh Kale
Daulat Daroda
Chandrakant Naughre
Chetan Tupe
Saroj Ahire
Mansingh Naik
NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Chhagan Bhujbal says, "We are being accused of coming here (with Ajit Pawar) for fear of legal cases. This is not correct. Dhananjay Munde, Dilip Walse Patil and Ramraje Nimbalkar have no cases against them. There are several other people who have no cases against them but are still here. We are here only because there are some close aides around you Saheb (Sharad Pawar), they are out to finish the party. We are ready to come back to you once you sideline them. We will come back to you then."
Following leaders are present at MET Bandra for Ajit Pawar's meeting of NCP leaders.
MLAs
1) Ajit Pawar
2) Chhagan Bhujbal
3) Hasan Mushrif
4) Narhari Jhirwal
5) Dilip Mohite
6) Anil Patil
7) Manikrao Kokate
8) Dilip Walse Patil
9) Aditi Tatkare
10) Rajesh Patil
11) Dhananjay Munde
12) Dharmarao Atram
13) Anna Bansod
14) Nilesh Lanke
15) Indranil Naik
16) Sunil Shelke
17) Dattatraya Bharne
18) Sanjay Bansod
19) Sangram Jagtap
20)Dilip bankar
21) Sunil Tingre
22) Sunil Shelke
23) Balasaheb Ajabe
24) Deepak Chavan
25) Yashwant Mane
26) Nitin Pawar
27) Shekhar Nikam
28) Sanjay Shinde
29) Raju chromare
Legislative council
1) Amol Mitkari
2) Ramraje Nimbalkar
3) Aniket Tatkare
4) Vikram Kale
NCP Cheif Sharad Pawar has reached YB Chavan Centre for party leaders meeting amid showering of flowers, heaving sloganeering from supporters and drum beats.
NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Chhagan Bhujbal says "More than 40 MLAs and MLCs are with us. We have done all the due diligence before taking the oath. We did not take the oath just like that."
Supporters shout slogans, beat drums as NCP leader Jayant Patil reaches YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai.
Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and leaders of his faction display a show of strength as they gather at MET Bandra in Mumbai for a meeting of NCP.
As per the latest updates, 27 NCP MLAs have reached MET Bandra in support of Ajit Pawar.
After the Sharad Pawar group, now the Ajit Pawar camp is taking affidavits from NCP leaders as proof of allegiance with the faction.
NCP leader Jitendra Awhad reaches YB Chavan in Mumbai, says "We will see what happens at 1 pm. More leaders will come".
Maharashtra Crisis Live: Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel have reached MET Bandra for the meting of NCP leaders.
NCP leader (Ajit Pawar faction) Praful Patel reaches MET Bandra to attend the party meeting called by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
On the number of MLAs joining Ajit Pawar, NCP leader Praful Patel, says "We have everyone with us. There is no need to worry".
According to sources, the Pawar battle over the control of NCP has reached the Election Commission. Both sides have informed EC of the recent political developments.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Ajit Pawar joining NDA fold in Maharashtra:
"Sharad Pawar is the founder of NCP. It is only a matter of time before the (NCP) number game is clear but the people of Maharashtra won't forgive what the supporters of Ajit Pawar have done."
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Ajit Pawar joining the NDA-led state government:
"This alliance will not work in Maharashtra because it is doomed for failure. This is a three-wheel government, in which the front tyre is punctured, which is (Eknath) Shinde."
"No, this is not a show of strength. Supporters of both leaders (Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar) have gathered here to listen to their thoughts," say party workers on separate meetings called by the two factions of NCP in Mumbai.
Ajit Pawar Leaves For NCP MLAs Meeting At MET Bandra.
Former Maharashtra HM & NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Anil Deshmukh reaches YB Chavan in Mumbai.
Workers in the Sharad Pawar camp are being made to sign an affidavit to show their support to the faction led by the NCP chief after the camp led by Ajit Pawar joined the BJP. This comes ahead of the crucial meetings called by both camps in a move to showcase strength.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that amid recent developments, CM Eknath Shinde's chair is in danger. He added that MVA is still intact and Uddhav, Sharad Pawar and Rahul Gandhi will come together.
Two Ajit Pawar camp MLAs, Ashok Bapu Pawar and Kiran Lahamate reach YB Chavan Center where Sharad Pawar has called NCP's meet.
On Maharashtra's political situation, NCP MLA Rohit Pawar (grand nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar) says "EVM machines are checked 5-6 months before Lok Sabha or state elections and 4 days ago Maharashtra officials have been instructed to start manufacturing EVM machines. This indicates that Lok Sabha elections and Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha can be conducted in December 2023. The main reason for this is the loss of BJP in Karnataka elections."
Supporters of NCP chief Sharad Pawar gathered outside YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai ahead of the meeting called by the party chief.
Praful Patel (Ajit Pawar camp leader) reaches for the meeting, says "All MLAs are with us. Will talk after the meeting."
NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, says "We will see the number of leaders sitting in on the stage and at other places. Supporters are signing papers and they are asked from where have they come. The exact number of leaders can only be seen on the stage"
NCP Working President and MP, Supriya Sule has reached YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai for meet called by Sharad Pawar.
Even after separating from Sharad Pawar, prominence has been given to Sharad Pawar's photo on the poster that has been set on the stage for the meeting of Ajit Pawar camp.
Ahead of the NCP leaders' meeting called by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, his supporters gathered and met him at his Devgiri Bungalow in Mumbai in a show of strength amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar factions of the NCP will meet today which is likely to bring clarity on which side has more MLAs.
Sharad Pawar to chair NCP meeting on Wednesday, leaders across the state asked to attend, PTI reported.
Ajit Pawar handed over the charge of Maharashtra NCP President to Sunil Tatkare in the new NCP office.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole and other party leaders met NCP chief Sharad Pawar at Mumbai's YB Chavan, ANI reported.
Amid the NCP crisis in Maharashtra, newly-appointed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar calls all NCP MPs, MLAs, MLCs, District heads and State delegates, asking them to be present for a meeting on 5th July in MET Bandra.
At the same time, Sharad Pawar calls all its members on the same day (5th July) at YB Chavan Auditorium.
Maharashtra Congress Committee chief Nana Patole has said that Congress has more number of MLAs.
"Today this will also be discussed with Pawar Saheb," he said adding that the party which has more MLAs, will have the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly.
"Congress has the maximum number of MLAs," he said.
NCP Pune city working committee held a meeting today in Maharashtra and passed a resolution to support NCP chief Sharad Pawar and condemned the BJP for trying to break the party.
The resolution was moved by NCP senior leader Ankush Kakade, supported by all the leaders present in the meeting. NCP city chief Prashant Jagtap and all party office bearers and workers were present at the meeting.
Congress Legislative Party meeting begins at Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha.
Newly sworn-in Deputy CM Ajit Pawar along with other NCP leaders reaches Maharashtra Assembly to attend the Cabinet meeting. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis arrive for Cabinet meeting at state Assembly.
Uddhav Thackeray faction leaders begin arriving at 'Matoshree' for the meeting called by him.
Current political developments in Maharashtra, the future of Maha Vikas Aghadi and how the three allies will go to the election are expected to be taken up for discussion.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar leaves from his residence 'Silver Oak' in Mumbai
Congress meeting at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan Congress office over recent developments. The following leaders take part:
Balasaheb Thorat,
Vishwajeet Kadam,
Yashomati Thakur,
Atul Londhe
Nana Patole,
Brother Jagtap,
Prithviraj Chavan
H.K. Patil, Incharge
Discussions being held on claiming the Leader of the Opposition post in the Legislative Assembly, on staying in MVA and further role in current events. After the meeting, HK Patil will go to Delhi with the report.
Maharashtra Political Crisis: CM Eknath Shinde has reached Mantralaya in Mumbai for the cabinet meeting.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar leaves from his office to inaugurate a new NCP party office near Mantralaya in Mumbai.
The leaders of NCP (Sharad Pawar Faction) will today meet at 1 PM to strategies a future course of action.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's cabinet will meet today at 11 am. Ajit Pawar faction ministers will also attend the meet.
On the NCP crisis, NCP leader (Sharad Pawar faction) Clyde Crasto says, "A lot of things will start now. They are throwing legalities on us so we have to do our things. The process has begun. We have to follow up on what they do because at the NCP is Sharad Pawar, the clock symbol is Sharad Pawar and he is still the active president of the party..."
NCP leader (Sharad Pawar faction) Clyde Crasto says, "Prafull Patel and Ajit Pawar are mature politicians. They know the rules and regulations very well. Despite knowing it, if they do things like this then what can we say? As per Constitution, as per 10th Schedule, as per Anti defection law, as per our party's constitution, they can't do any of this. Our party president Sharad Pawar appointed a few people yesterday. So, where will the validity be?"
His response came on the recent development that Ajit Pawar will open new party office in Mumbai today.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will shortly inaugurate a new NCP party office near Mantralaya in Mumbai.
Former Jharkhand CM and BJP national vice president Raghubar Das says, "Whatever happened with the NCP party (Ajit Pawar's revolt), only one person is responsible for it and that is Sharad Pawar...He was trying to run the party on dynastic rule which is not acceptable to the people of new India..."
"BJP supported us as the biggest party. Now, Ajit Pawar also supported us for the development of the state. We will move ahead with an agenda of development," said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on NCP leader Ajit Pawar joining the ruling coalition in the state, ANI reported.
We've taken this decision for the betterment of Maharashtra, says Ajit Pawar, NCP leader & Deputy CM.
"I have taken over as the State president of the Nationalist Congress Party. I will strengthen the party in Maharashtra. I have taken into confidence all leaders of the party. I have also called a meeting of all the legislators and zila parishad leaders," said. Sunil Tatkare, NCP-Ajit Pawar
"Anil Bhaidas Patil appointed as the chief whip of NCP in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly," said Party leader Praful Patel.
"Jayant Patil was made state NCP President on an interim basis. Now we have removed him & appointed Sunil Tatkare as the new Maharashtra NCP chief," said Praful Patel.
NCP president Sharad Pawar announces the removal of MPs Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel from the party.
NCP Working President and MP, Supriya Sule in a letter to party chief Sharad Pawar recommends disciplinary action against MPs Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, ANI reported.
NCP Goa chief Jose Philip D'Souza says the entire state unit is strongly behind party president Sharad Pawar and will not break away from party, PTI reported.
Jitendra Awhad, Jayant Patil, Supriya Sule and Eknath Khadse are present in the meeting.
While talking to the media, Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad said that they are sure that the MLA will come back to the party again. Whereas the claim made by Ajit Pawar is false. The number of MLAs will be clear in the meeting to be held on July 5.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti targets BJP saying, "They (BJP) kept calling them corrupts and now they have taken them into their government. This shows that BJP is the most corrupt party. BJP has misused the powers of ED, CBI to finish the opposition in the country."
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti targets BJP saying, "They (BJP) kept calling them corrupts and now they have taken them into their government. This shows that BJP is the most corrupt party. BJP has misused the powers of ED, CBI to finish the opposition in the country."
NCP chief Sharad Pawar targets BJP over the crisis in his party saying the saffron party created divisions on the basis of religion and caste.
Congress nominates Ashok Pattan as the chief whip in the Legislative Assembly and Saleem Ahmad as the party's chief whip in the Legislative Council.
NCP holds a party meeting at the state office to ascertain the number of MLAs who are with the party. Supriya Sule has also reached the office and Jayant Patil will also arrive shortly.
"The recognition of the leader of opposition is done by the head of the Assembly and all rules and regulations will be considered before making any judgement. I have no idea about the number of MLAs in support of Ajit Pawar," says Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
"I am here since yesterday, several MLAs are coming to meet us. Those 35 MLAs who supported Ajit Pawar yesterday are with Ajit Dada even today. There are more leaders who are joining us. I was with NCP and I will be with NCP always. It is not right that there has been a divide in the party. I wish what Sanjay Raut said that Ajit Pawar will become the CM, comes true," says NCP MLC Amol Mitkari.
NCP working president Supriya Sule reached the party office a day after political drama played out in her party.
Newly appointed Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Jitendra Awhad submits disqualification petition against Ajit Pawar and eight other leaders to Speaker Rahul Narvekar.
Newly inducted ministers who took the oath of office on Sunday arrive at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's residence. Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Dhananjay Munde, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Baburao Bansode, Anil Bhaidas Patil, Dharmarao Atram, and Hasan Mushrif took oath as cabinet ministers on Sunday.
"The three parties will work together...today is the first cabinet, it is just the beginning, we will see what the future holds," says Shiv Sena leader Gulabrao Patil.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar reaches Maharashtra's Satara to pay obeisance to Yashwantrao Chavan's memorial.
NCP leader Jitendra Awhad has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly.
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) claims NCP leader Ajit Pawar, sworn in as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, would replace Chief Minister Eknath Shinde soon, reports PTI.
"Eknath Shinde is the CM for just a few days now as the disqualification of 16 MLAs is certain. That's the reason why Ajit Pawar and others have been inducted," he adds.
"I will not comment on why an individual has gone there, but what is more important is that why we are here. Voters are upset about the recent happenings in Maharashtra. My respect for Ajit Kaka will be the same even after what has happened. In my personal life, he has helped me a lot but in politics, the thought process of a party is very important," says NCP MLA and grand nephew of Sharad Pawar, Rohit Pawar.
"After what Ajit Pawar did yesterday, all NCP supporters have decided to stay with Sharad Pawar and we will keep supporting him. The supporters of NCP will stand with Pawar Saheb and will fight against BJP and PM Modi unitedly," says NCP Pune president Prashant Jagtap.
"It's their personal decision and has nothing to do with the party. We just want to say that the whole party is standing with Pawar Sahab. Without Pawar Sahab, there is no NCP. The whole country and the state of Maharashtra, the people of Maharashtra are strongly standing with Pawar Sahab...," says National President, NCP youth wing Sonia Doohan.
"It's their party's internal matter...it would have been better if they had not switched sides," says Chhattisgarh Deputy CM TS Singh Deo.
"It’s a clear call for parties who promote dynasty politics, if any party wants to follow the same, their end will be soon, as time is fast changing & people’s expectations are fast changing. Everyone will follow the NCP model soon, this will spread from Bihar to Telangana and other states. Probably Ajit Pawar believed that he had worked hard for the party & he deserves due recognition," says AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan.
NCP leader Jitendra Awhad reached the residence of the Maharashtra Governor to hand over his appointment letter after being appointed as chief whip by the party.
The NCP has filed a plea to disqualify the MLAs who split ranks and joined forces with the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena on Sunday, Hindustan Times reported.
NCP working president Supriya Sule meets party workers after Ajit Pawar joined Eknath Shinde government earlier in the day.
RJD claims nine NCP legislators joined Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra govt succumbing to pressure of central probe agencies, says this is 'living example' of PM Modi's politics and BJP's priority, news agency PTI reported.
"Our party has not supported the decision taken by Ajit Pawar, it is his personal decision...he needs to remember one thing, NCP belongs to Sharad Pawar...this party was built and brought to this level by him...all those who betrayed us today got their face because of Sharad Pawar...if they think that they can wipe out him and ruin NCP, they're making a mistake...": Clyde Crasto, National Spokesperson, NCP
"NCP will fight the elections and will come to power," says NCP leader Jitendra Awhad who was appointed as LoP in the state Assembly after Ajit Pawar joined Maharashtra government earlier today.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi speak with NCP chief Sharad Pawar, extend support, news agency PTI reported.
In the wake of nine NCP leaders, including Ajit Pawar, joining the Eknath Shinde government, party chief Sharad Pawar has convened a meeting on July 5 in Mumbai to discuss the developments and the future course of action, its state unit chief Jayant Patil said on Sunday, news agency PTI reported.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says the failed double-engine government in Maharashtra has a third wheel now. In a tweet, Thackeray lists four "crucial points".
Hours after section of NCP legislators in Maharashtra joined Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis govt, Kerala Minister and senior NCP leader A K Saseendran said party's Kerala unit stands with Sharad Pawar.
"The way MLAs are being bought is quite dangerous for democracy. They (BJP) tried doing the same in Jharkhand as well but were not successful here," says JMM MP Mahua Maji.
"BJP is in power in the centre and misusing it. BJP is carrying out 'Operation Lotus'...ruining the politics of the country...BJP can do anything for power, they either scare members of other parties using ED & CBI or else will offer them money...people of Maharashtra is condemning this and BJP will never come back to power in this state" says Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole.
"After the opposition parties' meeting in Patna, they (BJP) are afraid, and that's why they want to break opposition parties," says DMK leader TKS Elangovan.
Those who violated party line and took oath, decision has to be taken on them, says Sharad Pawar.
BJP does this from time to time, first they did this in Madhya Pradesh, and then in Maharashtra, but people are watching this," says Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Sharad Pawar says he is not worried with what happened today. "I trust people, will build the party again," he says, adding that Mamata Banerjee and Mallikarjun Kharge are with him.
Ajit Pawar was miffed since sometime, because he wanted NCP to ally with BJP but Sharad Pawar disagreed to it. I welcome the decision of Ajit Pawar… this is a big change and a big setback for NCP and MVA, says Ramdas Athawale.
"This is a very good development, I welcome that development in Maharashtra...I am happy about the decision and the people of Maharashtra are also happy..." says former Karnataka CM & BJP leader BS Yediyurappa.
"We have joined the government as its third party. Few people are saying that we have split the party but that is not correct. We have come here as NCP. We have also criticised Modi govt on many occasions but it is true that the country is safe in his hands," says newly-inducted Maharashtra minister Chagan Bhujbal.
Ajit Pawar says that next polls in Maharashtra will be contested on NCP's symbol.
If we can go with BJP in Nagaland then why can't we go with BJP here also. We will do everything for the betterment of Maharashtra. Some MLAs could not be contacted as they are out of country but I spoke to all of them and they agreed with our decision: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
NCP leader Ajit Pawar changes his Twitter bio soon after taking oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra.
"What's happening in Maharashtra is a mockery of democracy and stealing of the people's mandate," says West Bengal Congress spokesperson Kamruzzaman Choudhury.
BJP unit president Chandrashekhar Bawankule says 40 MLAs of NCP are supporting state government.
"This was bound to happen. The BJP was well aware that if elections are held today in Maharashtra, they will have the same fate as Karnataka. They had no other option left rather than to break the party (NCP). People of Maharashtra have identified the real face of the BJP, they will remove it from power in next elections," says Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde terms the government a 'triple engine sarkar' as Ajit Pawar takes oath as Deputy CM. "I welcome Ajit Pawar and his supporters [in my government] for the sake of the development of the state. Their experience will be very useful," Shinde says as he walks out of Raj Bhawan after swearing-in ceremony. Shinde says Pawar himself came "for the sake of development." "When a dedicated worker is treated as secondary, such things happened," Shinde says as he speaks to reporters.
Most of the NCP leaders are with Sharad Pawar. We won't recognise the oath-taking ceremony that took place at Raj Bhavan," says NCP spokesperson Mahesh Bharet Tapase.
"Those opposition leaders who used to curse the Maharashtra government till yesterday, they are taking the oath as Deputy CM today. Such a change of heart, is this because of the fear of ED?" says Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey.
Sources also say that NCP leader Praful Patel is likely to be appointed as a cabinet minister in Modi government.
As per sources, 40 NCP MLAs and 3 MPs including Praful Patel, are in support of Ajit Pawar.
Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, and Aditi Tatkare take oath as ministers during the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhawan in Mumbai.
Ajit Pawar loyalist Chhagan Bhujbal takes oath as Maharashtra minister in Eknath Shinde's cabinet.
Some people have taken up the task of cleaning up Maharashtra politics. Let them have their way, says Sanjay Raut.
I just had a talk with Mr. Sharad Pawar. He said "I am strong. We have the support of the people. We will rebuild everything again with Uddhav Thackeray." Yes, people will not tolerate this game for long, he adds.
Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirms the development saying, "Ajit Pawar and other NCP MLAs have come here. An oath-taking ceremony will be done here. Maharashtra will progress under the leadership of PM Modi."