Maharashtra Politics News Highlights: Sharad Pawar hits back at nephew Ajit, says ‘I am still effective, whether 82 or 92’

At his Wednesday meeting, Ajit Pawar took repeated swipes at Pawar in his speech referring to him as someone who started breaking alliances to gain power. He asked for the 81-year-old’s retirement saying politicians were effective between the ages of 25 and 75. He also called out Pawar for his decision to break away from the Congress citing Sonia Gandhi’s foreign birth and then joining hands with the same party.

Read all about his speech here

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of strangling democracy by finishing off opposition parties through the "fear of government agencies like the ED and CBI." He also said the BJP was indulging in this dirty politics and splitting opposition parties as it was sensing defeat in coming elections.

The state Congress core committee expressed concern about the BJP's power-hungry politics, Patole said, adding that it resolved to end the BJP's "dictatorial tendency." "Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly accuses the Nationalist Congress Party of corruption of Rs 70,000 crore, and at the same time honorably inducts its leaders (Ajit Pawar and others) into the state government," Patole said, adding that Modi does not practise what he preaches on corruption. (PTI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Sharad Pawar at the NCP president's residence in an apparent show of support to the veteran leader amid a rebellion in his party.

Soon after Pawar addressed the media following his party's working committee meeting, Gandhi reached 6, Janpath, the official residence of the NCP veteran.

Speaking after a national executive meeting in New Delhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said he is the party's president.

Pawar's statement came after Ajit Pawar's faction declared that the veteran leader has been removed from the post, and said he should now retire.

"There's no importance if someone (Ajit Pawar) says something. I am still effective, whether I am 82 or 92. Now, whatever we need to say, we will say it before the Election Commission of India," he said.

The Ajit Pawar-led group of the NCP issued a statement saying that the National executive meet held by Sharad Pawar is illegal and it has no authority to hold any meeting or take decisions.

CM Eknath Shinde quelled speculation about displeasure among his party MLAs following the induction of Ajit Pawar and eight NCP MLAs into the state Cabinet. "The Opposition is spread rumours about unrest among the Shiv Sena MLAs. I have power of PM Modi and Amit Shah behind me," he said.

Shinde has held several meeting with his party's leaders since the NCP rebellion on July 2. His statement comes shortly after BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the CM will lead the ruling party coalition in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.

Posters calling Ajit Pawar and leaders who rebelled along with him, leading to a split in the NCP, ‘traitors’ emerged. This is the second time in a year that a Maha Vikas Aghadi constituent is facing a split, with the Shiv Sena having split in June last year after CM Eknath Shinde’s rebellion. Then too, ‘gaddar’ calls had dominated Maharashtra politics.

Kolhapur BJP leader Samarjeet Ghatge convened protests against the induction of Hasan Mushrif as state Cabinet minister.

Ghatge had aggressively campaigned against Mushrif, over corruption against the NCP leader. Reaffirming that he will remain with the BJP, Ghatge said his supporters have stood by him and his protests against Mushrif for years.

Further, he said he raised tough questions in a meeting with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and his concerns were addressed. "In the BJP, we are always told to bear in mind that the nation comes first, party next and self last. I have been approached by other parties, but that has made my resolve to remain with the BJP stronger," he said.

State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that in 2024, the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP coalition will contest all polls together.

"The three party coalition -- led by Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar -- has made government stronger. It will help us in 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls," he said.

After Ajit Pawar's statement that Sharad Pawar had from time to time taken different stands on issues and backtracked, state BJP chief blamed Pawar senior's politics for a split in the NCP.

"The BJP had no role in it (NCP split). It is high time that Sharad Pawar introspects instead of lashing out at BJP. From what Ajit Pawar said, it seems Pawar Sr did not spare even his family. He played politics in the party and family, which is shocking," he said.

Bawankule lamented that an "able leader like Ajit Pawar", who worked for three decades for organisation, had to plead for some role in organisation.

State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said CM Eknath Shinde is capable of keeping his party intact. "That is why leaders had left Uddhav Thackeray and reposed their faith in his leadership. They are united on the Hindutva plank. Nobody from Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) will leave to join Uddhav Thackeray," he said.

State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said a July 7 meeting of party MLAs has nothing to do with the recent developments in the state, and will see discussions on the forthcoming monsoon session and review the developmental agenda progress in constituencies.

Days after Ajit Pawar's rebellion, Bawankule denied unrest within the BJP. He added, "CM Eknath Shinde will lead the three-party coalition (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP (Ajit Pawar) in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections."

After NCP split, Sharad Pawar faction puts up hoardings with Gaddar written on them, in place of those with Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel faces on them.

Maharashtra Congress holds core committee meet in Mumbai

Dismissing speculations that Maharashtra may soon have a new CM, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Eknath Shinde will continue as the CM till 2024. "All these talks of change of guard are false," he added.

After meeting Ajit Pawar, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the NCP leader has taken the right decision. "I met Ajit Pawar today. He has made the right decision."

Athawale said be it a Hindu, Muslim or a Dalit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys the support of everyone. "Prime Minister 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," he said.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray will be on a two-day Vidarbha tour. He will reach Nagpur on July 9.

Amid speculation that there could be changes at the top after the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction joined the Maharashtra government, BJP leaders on Wednesday said the party does not have any plan to replace Eknath Shinde from the post of chief minister for the time being, and that the party plans to fight the upcoming elections under the “trio”.

“The BJP wants to weaken the MVA (alliance of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena) with the trio of Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. We want to fight both Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in 2024 under this leadership. We think it’s a formidable force,” a top source in the party said. Read more

Asking party workers not to worry about the MLAs leaving the party, NCP founder and president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said it was time to create a generation of new leaders. He said that irrespective of whoever was staking claim to the party’s name and symbol, it was not possible to snatch it away. Read more

Two days before he was sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar removed his uncle, Sharad Pawar, from the post of party president, and wrote to the Election Commission (EC) seeking recognition of his faction as the real NCP.

“A resolution dated June 30, 2023, signed by an overwhelming majority of members of NCP, both from the legislative and organisational wing, was passed thereby electing Shri Ajit Anantrao Pawar as the president of NCP. Shri Praful Patel was and continues to be one of the working presidents of NCP. The NCP also decided to appoint Shri Ajit Pawar as the leader of NCP Legislature Party in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the said decision was also ratified by the resolution passed by an overwhelming majority of NCP MLAs,” said a statement issued by the Ajit Pawar group on Wednesday. Read more

NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar is in Delhi today to convene a national executive party meeting. His Wednesday meeting with the party workers was attended by 16 MLAs and office-bearers of the party’s frontal cells. The group collected affidavits from the workers, reposing trust in the leadership of Sharad Pawar and Jayant Patil.

NCP leader Praful Patel said he felt like laughing after watching the scene at the recent meeting of 17 opposition parties in Patna.

“I went to the joint opposition meeting in Patna with Sharad Pawar, and I felt like laughing when I saw the scene there,” Patel said at a meeting of the Ajit Pawar faction at Bandra's MET. “There were 17 opposition parties there, and seven of them have only one MP in Lok Sabha. There was one party that has zero MPs. They claim they will bring change,” he said.

When the MVA government led by Uddhav Thackeray was on the verge of collapse last year, all NCP legislators and ministers had requested Sharad Pawar to go with the BJP, he said. "When we could accept the ideology of Shiv Sena, then what is the objection in going with BJP?” he said.

Patel said his party has decided to join the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra in national interest and the interest of the party and not for personal gain.

NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, responding to Ajit Pawar's jibe asking his uncle to retire, said Pawar senior was not going to stop just because some people were asking him to do so.

Awhad, who is among the MLAs in Sharad Pawar's camp, said at a press conference that an able son always encourages his father to remain active. "But here you people are asking him to sit at home. All we want to say is, he will not sit at home. Whatever he (Ajit) has to say against me, I will not make any comment. But my objection is to his asking Pawar to retire," he said.

The AIMIM has suspended 23 workers, including six former corporators from Aurangabad, for not participating in a protest organised by the party in view of NCP leader Ajit Pawar's induction in the Maharashtra cabinet.

The suspended workers were holding different posts in the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen's Aurangabad unit. According to the AIMIM release, 23 workers didn't attend the demonstration staged at Bhadkal Gate led by party MP Imtiaz Jaleel on Sunday night. (PTI)

Leader of Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, Chhagan Bhujbal, claimed the support of more than 40 MLAs as rival factions sought control over the party. "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," he said.

Bhujbal said, "We are being accused of coming here (with Ajit Pawar) due to 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."

Senior NCP leader Anil Deshmukh, rebutting Ajit Pawar's statement asking Sharad Pawar to retire, said the 82-year-old lion is still alive.

Meanwhile, Supriya Sule hit out at the BJP for allying with a party it once called corrupt. "They called the Nationalist Congress Party the 'Naturally Corrupt Party'... But when in need they take help from NCP. BJP is the most corrupt party and its not just me but others as well who are saying this. BJP made allegations about a Rs 70,000 crore scam, bank scam and many more. Someone told me 'NCP Ka ICE ho gya'- ICE stands for Income Tax, CBI and ED," she said.

Sharad Pawar loyalist and MLA Rohit Pawar said, "When we entered politics in 2019 and contested the Vidhan Sabha election, 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."

Meanwhile, NCP MLC Eknath Khadse said, "We can definitely win. When BJP can go from two to 300, why can't we do it?"

- The entire country is watching us, this meeting is historic for NCP

- We don't seek power, will keep working for the people

- Ajit Pawar should have spoken to me if he had any problems. If he had something on his mind he could have approached me. The decision taken by him was not taken by taking us into confidence.

- BJP called the NCP 'Nationalist Corrupt Party'. So, why have they allied with the NCP now?

- The party symbol is with us, it is not going anywhere. But that does not matter much. The people and party workers who brought us to power are with us.

- They (Ajit Pawar faction) have put up my photo in their office and even at the meeting today. They know nothing can happen without me.

- For us, Saheb (Sharad Pawar) is a deity, we have deep respect for him and seek his blessings.

- The seniors should not be stubborn. Why defame the people of family? BJP leaders retire at 75, when are you going to stop? Give us your blessings and we will pray that you live a long life.

- Only Narendra Modi will become PM in 2024 polls.

- For 45 years I did what my uncle said, not anymore.

- I will hold rallies against him (Sharad Pawar). If he doesn't stop, I will be forced to reveal everything.

Maharashtra has been witnessing a churn since 2019: First, the Shiv Sena chose to sever its three-decades-old ties with the BJP. That, in itself, was a major reconfiguration that led to the isolation of the BJP and the formation of a new coalition.

Last year, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was disrupted because of a “split” in the Shiv Sena and the formation of a government in which the BJP agreed to play second fiddle.

Now, Maharashtra’s other major state-level party, the NCP, has “split” and a faction of its legislators has joined the state government. This development has the potential to further complicate the state’s political situation — and distract from critical socio-economic issues. Read the full story here

Two days before he was sworn-in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar had written to the Election Commission on June 30 seeking recognition of his faction as the real NCP, according to an EC source.

The EC had also received on Wednesday around 40 affidavits from NCP MPs, MLAs and MLCs that were dated June 30, the source said. Read more

Mumbai city and its neighbouring districts of Thane and Raigad woke up to moderate rains on Wednesday, with more showers predicted due to a yellow alert on Thursday and Friday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in the three districts on July 5, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfalls in a few places. Read more

In a resolution passed by the Ajit Pawar group, he was chosen as the NCP chief, while Sharad Pawar was removed from the post. According to the resolution dated June 30, the decision was taken by "overwhelming majority of members of NCP, both from the legislative and organisational wing".

Even as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday welcomed newly sworn in Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP legislators into the Maharashtra government, there are at least four newly sworn in NCP ministers with whom MLAs and leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have had tiffs in the past and there could be clear friction on ground.

Read the full story here

In a major show of strength, at least 29 MLAs and and 4 MLCs from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) marked their attendance at newly inducted Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s meeting at the Mumbai Education Trust on Wednesday.

This comes as another meeting of NCP leaders from the opposing faction – led by party supremo Sharad Pawar – was held at at YB Chavan Centre.

Here’s a full list of the NCP MLAs who were present at Ajit Pawar’s meet

After the meeting at MET Bandra, Ajit Pawar and MLAs supporting left for Taj Land's End in a bus.

Stating that MLAs come and go, NCP chief Sharad Pawar told his party workers that they should work to create a new generation of leaders.

In a warning to his nephew Ajit Pawar, he further said, "The NCP has gone with the BJP in Nagaland. North East is on the border of China where political decisions need to be taken with due care. We therefore supported from the outside. Check the history of those who have gone with BJP in the country. Akali Dal lost everything. Andhra, Bihar and many examples show that the BJP destroys allies everywhere. Therefore, do remember that nothing different will happen with you as well."

"The Hindutva of Shiv Sena is of bringing all castes together, while that of the BJP is divisive, manuvadi and poisonous. The state recently faced communal riots. The one who plays divisive politics cannot be a patriot and we cannot take the position to join them," Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar said that if tomorrow anyone stands up and claims to be the main party, it cannot be allowed. 

'If someone is claiming that they will take symbol, let me be clear that we will not allow it. However, I must tell you that I have fought on many symbols. Until you are in the hearts of people, symbols don't matter. Have you seen posters and banners by people? My photo is the largest. That is because they know that they have nothing else to bank upon,' Pawar said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar asked why the BJP allied with the NCP if they thought the party si corrupt.

"PM Narendra Modi held a rally in Bhopal last week and accused the NCP of thousands of crore of corruption. If you really thought that NCP is a corrupt party, then why did you include the NCP in Sunday's swearing in ceremony? It means that these people talk anything without evidence to create people's opinion," he said.

Starting his speech from the YB Chavan auditorium, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said the NCP was born 24 years ago in Mumbai and worked hard to form the government. "Many became MLAs, ministers and we showed that people from a poor background too can run the state. The aim was to work for the people of Maharashtra. We successfully did that with your help."

Pawar Sr said many difficulties lie ahead and the key is communication. "I have worked in many Union governments. The norm was to hold talks if there are different viewpoints. The picture has changed. Communication is over," he said.

Reaffirming his faith in the power of people, Pawar said that though his party is not in power, it is among the people. "Even if we want to solve problems of the people, a lack of communication brings difficulty in doing so. It has led to discomfort in the society. On the other side, we decided to start the communication. The moment this happened, the ruling party became uncomfortable. The next meeting of the Opposition is in Bangalore," he said.

NCP working president Supriya Sule said the party name and symbol will remain with them. 'There are vacancies of 8-9 seats in the NCP now. New people will get chance. I will ask Sharad Pawar that 33 percent reservation for women be given,' she said.

She added, 'The NCP was once called naturally corrupt party. But when the one who said 'na khaunga na khane doonga' needed help, they came here and took people from here.'

Ajit Pawar said that Sharad Pawar had told him he wanted to resign and look after the various institutions that he has set up. "He told me that he was planning to set up a committee of senior NCP leaders which he said should sit and appoint Supriya Sule as party president. We accepted this proposal. However a few days later he withdrew the resignation. What was the point of resigning if u had planned to withdraw it later," he asked.

In a warning to Pawar senior, Ajit said, "Don't be stubborn. I have spoken very less today. If rallies start taking place in the future, then I will have to reveal everything."

Announcing that his party will contest 90 seats in Assembly elections, Ajit Pawar said he will soon commence a Maharashtra tour. On an emotional note, he said, "I want to tell party workers, I will never let you feel a distance between us. Also with folded hands, I want to tell my seniors, if we are mistaken tell us."

Ajit also said that a decision of joining hands with the BJP was taken a year ago. "The meeting had taken place. All this had happened before CM Eknath Shinde went to Guwahati. I have a letter with the signatures of all the MLAs."

Speaking about his ambitions, Ajit said, "I got all the love from you. I became DyCM for five times. It's a record. But i am stuck at Dy CM only. I also wish to lead the state, be the CM." He went on to say that he will take the NCP name and symbol.

Speaking about the imbroglio surrounding government formation in 2019, Ajit Pawar said Sharad Pawar had sent him for the early morning swearing-in ceremony.

"Five meetings had taken place at the residence of prominent businessman. Senior BJP leaders and NCP leaders were present there. The decision was taken and I was asked to go (for swearing in). Later, everything was backtracked and we went with Shiv Sena," he said.

Ajit Pawar targeted Sharad Pawar, saying there is a particular age for retirement in every profession.  "You are now 83, are you going to stop someday or not? Give us blessings, we need it. You are our hero. I told Supriya Sule also to convince Pawar saheb (to retire). But she told me he is stubborn. He won't listen. Till when?" Ajit asked.

Ajit Pawar said that in 2017, the NCP had attempted to join hands with the BJP, but the latter remained with Shiv Sena. "Our leaders said we will not go with Shiv Sena since its communal party. In 2019, we were asked to join hands with Shiv Sena. Earlier (in 2017), they (Sharad Pawar) said Shiv Sena is a communal party, what changed in 2019 then?" he asked.

Ajit Pawar said that in 2014, Union minister Nitin Gadkari had given a proposal for an alliance between the BJP and NCP, but the offer was later withdrawn. "In 2014, when poll results were coming, Praful Patel had announced that we will give support to BJP from outside. We were asked to go for swearing in a ceremony at Wankhede in 2014. If we were not supposed to join them, then why were we asked to attend the ceremony? What was the plan then?"

He further said, "In the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, a proposal was mooted for the NCP, Shiv Sena and BJP to contest elections together with each party contesting 16 seats. The BJP later backed out of this due to accusations on some leaders. Leaders like Nitin Gadkari were keen for the alliance, but local BJP leaders had reservations about this."

In a crucial meeting with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders on Wednesday, Ajit Pawar claimed, “All the MLAs are in touch with me. Even those MLAs who are in another meeting (of Shard Pawar).” The rebel leader beat Sharad Pawar in the numbers game on Wednesday but still fell short of the two-thirds mark (36 MLAs) in his battle to stake claim to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

"In 2004, we had the majority of MLAs, but still we were told to not take the CM post. Had we got the CM post then, then Maharashtra would have witnessed NCP's CM always," says Ajit Pawar.

He adds, "Why did we not take the opportunity? Why was such a decision taken despite having an opportunity? Did we lack something then? No."

Ajit Pawar takes repeated swipes at Sharad Pawar in his speech, and refers to him breaking alliances to gain power during his polticial journey.

He says politicians are effective between the age of 25 to 75 (Sharad Pawar is 82), and calls out Pawar for his decision to break away from Congress on Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin issue.

Lok Sabha MP Mohammad Fazal has extended support to Sharad Pawar.

'Now also it is not very late. I request Saheb to give us his blessings. We together will be in the government,' says working president Praful Patel said.

He adds further, 'Earlier too there was a discussion with Pawar Saheb (on joining hands with the BJP). It is not that it has happened suddenly. The discussion has been going on for many days. Dada hasn't taken this decision for himself but it's for the party and the public representatives and cadre.'

MLAs present:

1) Ajit Pawar
 2) Chhagan Bhujbal
 3) Hassan 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(independent)
 29) Raju Kormare

The MLCs present at the meet are:

1) Amol Mitkari
 2) Ramraje Nimbalkar
 3) Aniket Tatkare
 4) Vikram Kale

Eknath Khadse, former BJP heavyweight turned NCP MLC, present at Sharad Pawar meet.