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Who Gets What? Amit Shah’s Midnight Meeting Reshapes Maharashtra Cabinet

November 29, 2024, 6:36 am

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the leadership of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Thursday to finalize the power-sharing arrangement in Maharashtra. The late-night meeting at Shah‘s Delhi residence lasted for two hours and went into the distribution of Cabinet portfolios among the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. The coalition government is expected to take oath early next week.

Insiders claim that the BJP would continue to hold the position of chief minister, and the Shiv Sena and NCP would get deputy chief ministers each. The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to finalise its candidate for the position of chief minister at the MLAs meeting in Mumbai on Saturday, with Devendra Fadnavis emerging as the most probable contender. If Fadnavis turns out to be CM, the home portfolio may stick to him, but the finance may go to NCP. The UDD and PWD are given to Shiv Sena.

Cabinet Berths and Portfolio Allocation

The alliance is likely to follow a seat-based formula for Cabinet distribution. The BJP is expected to secure 22 out of 43 berths, including the chief minister’s position. The Shiv Sena and NCP are projected to receive 12 and 9 berths, respectively. Both allies are also eyeing representation in the Union Cabinet, with the NCP nominating Praful Patel and the Sena pushing for a ministerial role.

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, currently the caretaker CM, may opt for a Union Cabinet berth instead of serving as a deputy CM under Fadnavis. This decision aligns with Shinde’s focus on expanding his party ahead of the upcoming Mumbai civic polls.

Caste and Leadership Considerations

BJP leaders, including Vinod Tawde, briefed Shah on the caste composition in Maharashtra, emphasizing the implications of not having a Maratha chief minister. The leadership is keen on balancing caste representation in the Cabinet to address community concerns, especially in light of ongoing Maratha reservation demands. Observers are expected to visit Mumbai to gather feedback from BJP MLAs before finalizing the leadership lineup.

Alliance Unity and Future Plans

NCP leader Ajit Pawar dismissed rumours of discord within the alliance over portfolio allocation. He reiterated the coalition’s unity and commitment to amicably resolving differences. Pawar also discussed key district guardianships with BJP leaders, including Pune and Raigad.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat hinted at Shinde’s plans for a state-wide campaign under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, signalling his focus on grassroots outreach. Meanwhile, BJP’s former state chief Chandrakant Patil suggested the possibility of a surprise CM pick, reflecting the party’s strategy of experimenting with leadership roles.

The Mahayuti government is poised to assume power by Monday or Tuesday, marking the culmination of weeks of political negotiations.

Another Arrest in Baba Siddiqui Murder Case, Mumbai Crime Branch Detains Key Accused

October 20, 2024, 7:51 pm

The Mumbai Crime Branch has made another arrest in connection with the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddiqui. On Sunday, police confirmed the arrest of Bhagwant Singh, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 10. Singh was apprehended in Belapur, Navi Mumbai.

According to the Mumbai Police, Bhagwant Singh is accused of providing shelter to the shooters involved in the murder and supplying them with weapons. He is also alleged to have transported arms from Rajasthan to Mumbai, aiding the attackers in executing the crime.

Baba Siddiqui’s Assassination Details

Baba Siddiqui was shot outside his office in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai. He sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on October 12. The incident has sparked a high-profile investigation, leading to multiple arrests.

On October 19, the Mumbai Police suspended Shyam Sonawane, a police constable assigned as Siddiqui’s security guard. Sonawane was present at the scene during the shooting but reportedly did not intervene to protect Siddiqui. His failure to act has led to disciplinary action.

Mumbai Police have uncovered a photograph of Baba Siddiqui’s son, Zeeshan Siddiqui, on the phone of one of the arrested suspects. The image was shared via Snapchat, a platform the shooters and conspirators used to communicate. Messages exchanged through the app were deleted after being read, complicating the investigation.

One of the arrested suspects, Ram Kanojia, revealed during interrogation that he was initially offered the contract to kill Baba Siddiqui for a fee of one crore rupees. Kanojia stated that fugitive accused Shubham Lonkar first approached him for the assassination but later backed out after Kanojia demanded a higher fee.

Shooters Hired from Uttar Pradesh

Lonkar then sought shooters from Uttar Pradesh, believing they would be less familiar with Baba Siddiqui’s influence in Maharashtra and thus willing to carry out the murder for a lower price. The Mumbai Crime Branch reported that Dharma Raj Kashyap, Gurnail Singh, and Shivkumar Gautam were subsequently hired for the assassination.

As the investigation progresses, the Mumbai Crime Branch continues to track down further leads, including the whereabouts of fugitive suspects and any additional conspirators involved in the murder.

Opposition Criticizes Govt Over Baba Siddique’s Killing, Questions Law and Order

October 13, 2024, 3:33 pm

The killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai on Saturday night has sparked a political outcry, with opposition leaders criticizing the Maharashtra government for failing to maintain law and order. Siddique, a member of Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Bandra and succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital later that night.

Priyanka Chaturvedi Blames Intelligence Failure

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her shock and dismay over the murder, calling it a clear indication of the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. “Baba Siddique was a respected leader across parties. It saddened me when I heard about it,” she said. Chaturvedi further criticized the state’s intelligence agencies, noting that Siddique had reported receiving threats and had been given Y-category security. Despite this, his murder still occurred. “What has happened to our intelligence agencies? What has happened to the Mumbai Police?” she asked.

Congress Leaders Express Concerns

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate echoed concerns over the state’s law enforcement. She highlighted the fact that Siddique had Y+ security with NSG personnel and questioned how such a security breach could happen. Shrinate also pointed out that a major political event in Bandra, attended by a Railway Minister from the ruling party, went ahead despite Siddique’s murder. “For the sake of humanity, you could have cancelled that event,” she said.

Congress MP Manish Tewari also condemned the murder, demanding swift and strict punishment for those behind the crime. He called the incident an alarming example of the state’s law and order situation.

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj compared the law and order situation in Maharashtra to that of Delhi, warning that both states are witnessing rising crime under BJP leadership. Bharadwaj accused the central and state governments of focusing too much on politics instead of governance. “So many gangsters have become active in Delhi and Mumbai. Is the government encouraging them? This is a very serious situation,” he remarked.

The opposition’s sharp criticism has highlighted growing concerns over Maharashtra’s law and order situation. With political leaders calling for action and accountability, the state government faces increasing pressure to ensure justice for Baba Siddique and restore confidence in the safety of its citizens. Further developments in the investigation are awaited as authorities work to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Ajit Pawar Urges to Stop Politicizing NCP Leader Baba Siddique’s Killing

October 13, 2024, 2:25 pm

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday urged everyone to refrain from politicizing the tragic killing of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique. In a message shared on X, Pawar emphasized the importance of compassion during this difficult time and warned against using the tragedy for political gain.

Pawar expressed deep sorrow over the death of Siddique, noting that the NCP is struggling to cope with the loss of a beloved leader. “This is not just a political loss; it’s a deeply personal tragedy that has shaken us all,” said Pawar. He added that he has lost a dear friend whom he had known for years, making the tragedy all the more painful.

Call for Justice, Not Division

Ajit Pawar strongly urged people to avoid exploiting the tragedy for political advantage. “I strongly urge everyone to resist the temptation to politicize this horrifying event,” he said, stressing that the focus should be on ensuring justice is served. Pawar vowed that those responsible for the crime would be held accountable.

Time for Unity and Compassion

Pawar also called for unity and respect during the mourning period, asking people to show compassion rather than allow opportunistic voices to turn the tragedy into a political spectacle. “This is a time for mourning and for remembering a leader who was deeply cherished by so many,” he added.

Ajit Pawar met with Baba Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, at Cooper Hospital to express his condolences. Earlier, he informed the public that five investigation teams had been formed and dispatched to different states to probe the killing. Pawar mentioned that the identity of those responsible for the attack would be known within 2-3 days.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Baba Siddique would be cremated with full state honours, in recognition of his service as a minister in the Maharashtra government from 2004 to 2008 and as the chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).

The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered a case at Nirmal Nagar Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act in connection with the murder. Siddique was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Bandra on Saturday and succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital later that night. The case is now under investigation, with authorities working to bring those responsible to justice.

Pune Porsche Hit-and-Run Case: Police Verify Interrogation of NCP MLA Sunil Tingre

September 7, 2024, 4:27 am

On Friday, Pune city police confirmed that they have questioned National Congress Party (NCP) MLA Sunil Tingre in connection with the Porsche car accident case.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated, “Yes, we have inquired about everyone directly or indirectly involved in the Porsche car case, including MLA Sunil Tingre.”

The incident occurred on May 19, when a 17-year-old driving a luxury Porsche crashed into a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of two young riders in Kalyaninagar. Following the accident, there were allegations that MLA Tingre attempted to intervene at the police station to protect the juvenile driver and used his political influence to sway the investigation.

MLA Tingre has denied these allegations.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently mentioned in a public speech that Tingre was questioned by the police for three to four hours. Pawar asserted that Tingre had clarified his lack of involvement in the case and criticized those attempting to implicate him unfairly.

Ajit Pawar Advocates for Caste Census to Aid Policy-Making

August 15, 2024, 9:39 pm

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar has called for a caste census, emphasizing its importance in obtaining accurate population figures for tribals, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minorities. He believes this data will help the Centre formulate more effective policies.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Pawar stated, “A caste census should be conducted alongside the general census to determine the exact population of various societal groups. This information will aid the government in developing policies, including those related to reservations.”

Pawar also highlighted the ongoing demands for a caste census by Congress, other opposition parties, and the JD-U, a member of the NDA.

Turning to the challenges faced by farmers in Maharashtra, Pawar underscored the government’s commitment to their welfare. He mentioned reforms such as offering loans at zero percent interest, waiving old electricity bills, and providing free electricity.

Pawar recounted the three instances when farmers’ loans were waived by different governments: the national-level waiver during former PM Manmohan Singh’s tenure, the state-level waiver under CM Devendra Fadnavis, and the most recent waiver during Uddhav Thackeray’s term when Pawar himself served as finance minister.

“Currently, the state government offers zero-interest loans to farmers, with the cost split equally between the Central and state governments. We also implemented a policy to waive their electricity bills,” Pawar added.

Pawar further noted his efforts to engage with rural communities before presenting the budget, particularly addressing farmers’ concerns about unpaid electricity bills, which he linked to farmer suicides.

He also discussed the government’s long-term plans to address water scarcity in drought-prone areas like Vidarbha and Marathwada. These plans include lift irrigation schemes, river linking projects, and the construction of barrages to improve water availability.

On city infrastructure issues, Pawar explained the causes behind recent flooding in Pune and Mumbai. He attributed Pune’s flooding to its valley-like terrain and heavy rainfall, which led to the release of 35,000 cusecs of water from nearby dams. In Mumbai, he cited natural challenges such as ocean tides and the city’s location on seven islands, which complicate flood management.

Earlier in July, Maharashtra experienced continuous rainfall, leading to flooding in several cities. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray previously claimed that Pune’s riverfront development project contributed to the flash floods in the city.

Supreme Court To Hear Ajit Pawar’s Response On NCP Legitimacy Dispute

July 29, 2024, 4:30 pm

The Supreme Court has asked Ajit Pawar and his 40 MLAs to respond to a plea from the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This plea challenges the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s decision, which recognized the group led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar as the legitimate NCP.

The court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, noted that the case is urgent due to the state assembly’s term ending in November this year. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar’s group, stressed the need for a quick hearing.

The court plans to hear the Sharad Pawar faction’s plea after addressing a similar petition from the Uddhav Thackeray camp. The Thackeray group has also challenged the Speaker’s decision, which favored Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his MLAs.

Chief Justice Chandrachud mentioned that the court would issue notices and decide on all objections, including whether the petitions are maintainable, at the final hearing. The court has allowed serving the notices personally.

On February 15, Speaker Rahul Narwekar had ruled that the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, who broke away from Sharad Pawar and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government, was the genuine NCP. He had also dismissed disqualification petitions from both factions against each other’s MLAs.

The Speaker noted that the anti-defection law could not be used to suppress internal dissent and pointed out that Ajit Pawar’s group had a strong legislative majority of 41 out of 53 MLAs when the NCP split in July 2023.

Sharad Pawar Calls For Urgent Dialogue To Resolve Maratha-OBC Quota Rift

July 28, 2024, 3:54 am

Mumbai: Concerned about the growing rift between Maratha and OBC communities over reservation issues, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar called for urgent dialogue to pacify the situation. He suggested that the Eknath Shinde government hold talks with Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and OBC leaders to resolve the issue.

“It is disturbing that a few districts in Marathwada have posed against each other over the reservation issue which has led to an unprecedented rift between Maratha and OBC communities. I learned that members from both communities are boycotting hotels and other establishments run by the other. This is disturbing,” said Pawar during his tour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad).

Addressing Local Tensions
Pawar plans to visit affected areas like Beed and Jalna to engage with the communities directly. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the bitterness and misunderstanding between the two groups, which he deemed dangerous. He also noted that the process for talks over the quota issue seems to have begun, but stressed the need for the chief minister to engage all stakeholders comprehensively.

Maratha Activist’s Demands
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has been demanding the implementation of a draft notification that recognizes Kunbis as ‘sage soyare’ (blood relatives) of Marathas, thus allowing them to be included under the OBC category. However, OBC leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal, have stressed that their quota should not be diluted.

Government’s Role
Pawar shared his feedback with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who appeared favorable to initiating dialogue. “The government should call Maratha activist Manoj Jarange, (minister) Chhagan Bhujbal, Laxman Hake, and others committed to OBC reservation for talks,” he said.

Political Reactions
While Shinde has urged unity to resolve the issue, his ally, the BJP, criticized Pawar. Senior BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil accused Pawar of politicizing the issue, questioning what actions Pawar took regarding Maratha reservation during his tenure as Maharashtra’s chief minister.

Maratha activist Jarange-Patil accused both ruling and opposition parties of “fooling the Maratha community” by engaging in talks instead of making decisive actions.

Future of MVA Alliance
Regarding seat-sharing among the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, Pawar mentioned that discussions will take place after the current session of Parliament. He suggested that Left parties should also be considered in the upcoming assembly polls.

Party Dynamics
In a related development, NCP’s MLC Babajani Durrani rejoined the Sharad Pawar-led faction. Pawar stated that only leaders aligned with their ideology would be considered for re-induction, excluding those who took extreme stands during the split.

Ajit Pawar To Provide Money For 3 LPG Cylinders To Women With Annual Income Under Rs. 2.5 Lakh

July 14, 2024, 9:51 pm

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has recently announced, that state’s mahayuti government will give money for three LPG cylinders to women & girls, whose annual income falls below Rs. 2.5 Lakh in the state.

This decision comes around the time, when deputy CM Pawar was attending a public rally in Baramati.

Speaking about this scheme, Pawar said ‘We have not stopped till Ladli Bahan Yojana. We will also give money for three LPG gas cylinders a year to all our sisters, mothers, and daughters whose income is under 2.5 lakhs per annum.’

In addition, Pawar also announced, that women and girls will get Rs. 46,000 crores under ladli behan scheme. Moreover, they will also get Rs.65,000 crores under several schemes present in the state.

Afterward, Pawar also declared, that their purpose is to empower women and make them self-reliant. Ensuring, that they feel confident and do not depend on anyone.

Later, he also asked the public to elect mahayuti government to get the scheme implemented. He urged people to not believe on any other party.

Then via social media platform X, he shared highlights of the rally and said, ‘Big family of NCP! Today, people have given us new strength to take the next step with confidence due to the huge trust shown in us! @mahancpspeaks #raassttrvaadii_jnsnmaan_reNlii #NCPJanSanmanRally’

Earlier in previous week, Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief, who also holds state’s financial portfolio, displayed state budget in Maharashtra assembly on monsoon session.

He introduced scheme for women called ‘Mukhyanantri Majhi Ladki Bahin.’ Under this scheme, women who fall between 21 and 60 years of age, will receive Rs. 1500 per month.

Notably, this scheme is inspired from MP’s Ladli Behna Yojana scheme. Which was launched by BJP in the state.

As per Pawar, the implementation of the scheme was to start from July 2024. On Friday in state assembly declared, that beneficiaries of this scheme will receive benefit from July, even if their documentation was finalized in august or afterward.

According to Ajit Pawar, they have also decided to increase the deadline for application upto August 31st. Even women who come under 65 years of age can also apply. Earlier, it was 60.

Cracks In Bihar And Maharashtra BJP Alliances?

June 14, 2024, 11:36 am

Rifts and Cracks within Bihar’s and Maharashtra’s BJP Alliances can be seen soon after the Lok Sabha election results are out.

Cracks in Bihar

Internal rifts within Bihar’s ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have surfaced following the 2024 Lok Sabha election results. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in 12 out of 17 contested seats, while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) also claimed 12 out of 16 seats. The other NDA allies, including LJP (RV) and HAM, clinched five and one seat respectively.

Tensions flared when former BJP MP Hari Manjhi accused Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also serves as the state BJP president, of failing to rally votes from his own Kushwaha community in favor of NDA candidates. Manjhi questioned Choudhary’s leadership, claiming he couldn’t garner support despite an extensive campaign. This criticism reflects a shift as the INDIA bloc fielded Kushwaha candidates in key constituencies, altering traditional NDA dynamics.

Cracks in Maharashtra

Meanwhile, similar fractures have emerged in Maharashtra, where speculation abounds regarding the BJP potentially severing ties with Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Instead, there are talks of aligning with Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde’s Shiv Sena for the upcoming state assembly elections. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) triumphed with 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 Lok Sabha seats in the recent elections, while Mahayuti, part of the NDA including Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, secured only 17 seats.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal says “We (NCP) were given only 4 seats out of the 48 seats for the Lok Sabha elections. Of those 4 seats, 2 were taken away from us. So, in these 2 seats, Raigad and Baramati and we won 1 seat. Now, how can… pic.twitter.com/SpBgwkbiKl

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024

“How can someone say that we fought on 48 seats, we only got 2 seats. BJP lost in other states as well, such as Uttar Pradesh. Nobody thought that BJP would get so few seats in Uttar Pradesh. So, blaming Ajit Pawar faction is not right,” Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said.

Lok Sabha Election: Sunetra w/o Ajit Pawar offers prayer before filing nomination against Supriya Sule

April 18, 2024, 9:18 am

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar accompanied by his wife and NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar in offering prayers at Pune’s Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple. Sunetra Pawar is set to file her nomination today, and Ajit Pawar stood by her side in support.

#WATCH | Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar along with his wife and NCP candidate from Baramati, Sunetra Pawar offer prayers at Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple, in Pune.

She will file her nomination today against NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule. pic.twitter.com/bXu4iAyJQJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024

With her nomination filing today, Sunetra Pawar, the NCP candidate from Baramati, said it’s a big day for her. In order to receive Lord Bappa’s blessings, they went there and made prayers.

Accompanying his wife Sunetra, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar offered prayer and said “I have prayed to Lord Bappa that when PM Modi will be elected for the third time there should be a major contribution from Maharashtra and that maximum Mahayuti candidates from Maharashtra shall get elected…We have decided that whenever any candidate of Mahayuti will file their nomination, the CM and Deputy CM will try to remain present, we have called everyone to be present today but there is nothing like ‘Shakti Pradarshan’…”

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar says "I have prayed to Lord Bappa that when PM Modi will be elected for the third time there should be a major contribution from Maharashtra and that maximum Mahayuti candidates from Maharashtra shall get elected…We have decided that whenever… pic.twitter.com/fjDNMzpgV2

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024

In Pune district’s Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, Sunetra Pawar, representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is competing against her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule, the incumbent member of parliament. Sule, who is Sharad Pawar’s daughter, is running as an NCP candidate (Sharadchandra Pawar).

On Wednesday, he appealed for backing for his wife in the Lok Sabha elections and conveyed a message to the voters of Baramati, expressing a transition from seeking votes for his sister to now seeking support for his wife. During a rally, Ajit Pawar indirectly remarked about Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar and his cousin, stating, “if someone comes to you and takes my name, give her good treatment but if she takes the name of the opposition camp give them such injection that…

However, before he could have spoken something wrong he changed the line.”

The electoral contest for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat presents an intriguing battle between sisters-in-law, as Sharad Pawar nominated his daughter Supriya Sule from his political stronghold.

Ajit Pawar further remarked, “In the last 10 years, I have been soliciting votes for the current MP of Baramati, Supriya Sule, but now I am seeking votes for my wife. I have observed that in the past decade, significant projects from the Center have not been allocated to the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency because constant criticism of the Prime Minister discourages the flow of central projects to your constituency.”

Addressing the rally, Ajit Pawar urged, “You have elected Sharad Pawar’s daughter 3 times, now elect his daughter-in-law.”

Last week, Ajit Pawar appealed for support for his wife, emphasizing that the voters have elected his uncle Sharad Pawar’s daughter three times, but now they should elect his daughter-in-law.

The elections for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be conducted in five phases from April 19 to May 20. In Baramati, polling is scheduled for May 7.

At 83, Sharad Pawar’s response to retirement calls: ‘Can still straighten some people out’

December 18, 2023, 11:11 am

Ajit Pawar and a few of his party colleagues rebelled against their uncle and party chief Sharad Pawar earlier this year and joined the BJP.

At the age of 83, veteran NCP leader Sharad Pawar sent a stern message to his detractors, reiterating his vitality and rejecting calls for his political retirement. Speaking at a birthday celebration for a bullock cart race held in Pune’s rural Haveli taluka, Pawar claimed he had not aged and that he still had the ability to “straighten some people out.”

The veteran politician seemed to be responding forcefully to a common narrative put forth by his opponents, which included his nephew Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, who recently pushed him to retire from politics due to his advanced age.

On July 5, Ajit Pawar made fun of his uncle by making comparisons to retirement ages in other industries. “You are 83 years old, BJP leaders retire at 75, and IAS officers retire at 60. “Are you not going to stop?” he asked party legislators and workers in Bandra during an address. “You (Sharad Pawar) bestow blessings upon us… However, you’re 83 years old; won’t you give up? Ajit Pawar continued, “Give us your blessings, and we will pray that you live a long life.

Congress Presents Manifesto for Rajasthan, Commits to Caste Census and Enhanced MSP

November 21, 2023, 12:49 pm

The Congress party in Rajasthan released its manifesto on Tuesday, promising, among other things, a caste-based census, a new scheme for panchayat recruitment, and the enactment of a law to implement the minimum support price for farmers in the state.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, chief minister Ashok Gehlot, and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot were among those who signed the ‘Jan Ghoshna Patra’ at the state party office here.

Following the Swaminathan Committee’s recommendations, the party stated that it is committed to enacting a specific law to implement the Minimum Support Price (MSP), known as the Minimum Support Price Guarantee Act. After enacting the RTE law, the manifesto promised farmers a Rs 2 lakh interest-free loan and free education in private institutions.

Chief Minister Gehlot, after releasing the manifesto, said that his government is aiming to achieve the number-one position in per capita income in the country.
“…The way in which we have managed the financial situation of Rajasthan, the people of Rajasthan will feel proud about it… The per capita income has increased by 46.48 per cent in Rajasthan. Till 2030, it is our dream to achieve the number-one position in per capita income. In 2020-21, the state GDP reached 19.50 which is the highest in the decade…” Gehlot spoke.

Of the 200 assembly seats in the state, 199 will be contested on November 25 as the elections in the Karanpur assembly constituency were adjourned after the Congress candidate from Karanpur, Gurmeet Singh Koonar, passed away due to sepsis. Koonar was the sitting MLA from Karanpur.

The BJP won 163 seats in the 2013 Legislative Assembly elections and formed the government in Rajasthan. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. Gehlot eventually took the oath as CM with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents.

EC grants 3 more weeks to Sharad Pawar, Ajit factions for replies to notice

August 16, 2023, 8:15 pm

The faction led by Sharad Pawar had decided not to approach the EC until the poll panel had considered the breakaway group’s arguments. The Pawar group presented a disqualification motion against nine NCP MLAs, including Ajit Pawar, who took oath as deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis coalition government on July 3.

The Pawar faction removed all nine MLAs, as well as working president Praful Patel and general secretary Sunil Tatkare, three days later. The decision was made at the party’s working committee meeting in Delhi.

Separately, Pawar met with his nephew Ajit Pawar behind closed doors in Pune, fueling speculation about the duo’s future plans. The three-hour meeting was held.

“What is wrong with meeting my nephew? If a senior person in a family desires to meet another family member, there should not be any issue with that”, he said. The NCP chief further stated that he will never join forces with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

“As the national president of the NCP, I am making it clear that my party (NCP) will not go with the BJP. Any association with the Bharatiya Janata Party does not fit in NCP’s political policy”, he added.

NCP Crisis: Sharad Pawar leaves for Delhi to attend National Executive meeting

July 6, 2023, 10:17 am

Amid political crisis in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar left for Delhi on Thursday, where he has summoned a National Executive meeting.
Meanwhile, outside NCP president Sharad Pawar’s residence in Delhi, banners reading “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” have appeared.

With the NCP witnessing the unravelling of the party, the Pawar family feud played out on stage on Wednesday as NCP factions headed by Sharad Pawar and his nephew held rival meetings at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in south Mumbai and in Bhujbal Knowledge City in suburban Bandra, respectively.

While sources revealed that Election Commission has received a petition from Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar staking claim to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the party symbol. On Wednesday, Ajit Pawar took a veiled dig at his uncle Sharad Pawar regarding his age that left the NCP Supremo’s party members and loyalists fuming and resulted into a chain of reactions.

Ajit Pawar urged Sharad Pawar to step down and give a chance to the new generation stating that even leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retire at the age of 75.
The junior Pawar also has blamed the 82-year-old Sharad Pawar for NCP losing out on the chance to have a chief minister of Maharashtra despite having the support of a majority of MLAs in the year 2014.

Later in the day, NCP’s working president Supriya Sule in a stern response asked the deputy CM not to disrespect her father. “Disrespect us, but not our father (Sharad Pawar). This fight is against the Bharatiya Janata Party government. BJP is the most corrupt party in the country,” said Sule in Mumbai on wednesday.

Country progressing under PM Modi’s leadership, says Ajit Pawar

July 2, 2023, 7:43 pm

Ajit Pawar, the new Deputy Chief Minister of the Eknath Shinde government, said on Sunday that the country is progressing under PM Modi’s leadership and that they should support development after engineering a split in the Nationalist Congress Party and extending support to the NDA government in Maharashtra.

“Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later. Considering all aspects at the national level, we thought that we should support development,” Ajit Pawar said in a press briefing.

Ajit Pawar justified his party’s choice to join the NDA administration in Maharashtra by emphasising how far the country has come under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He added that the decision was made because they aim to run in the future elections alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party.

“The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership. We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP) and that is why we have taken this decision,” he said.

Ajit Pawar and eight other party leaders joined the Maharashtra cabinet today. Ajit Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister.

No words are enough to condemn, says Mehbooba Mufti after Pawar joins Maharashtra Govt

July 2, 2023, 6:43 pm

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti said on Sunday that no words can describe how the BJP has consistently undermined the popular mandate in Maharashtra since Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister in the state’s Eknath Shinde-led administration.

According to Mehbooba Mufti, not only is democracy being murdered, but the national anthem is being sung to offer cover for such crimes.

“No words are enough to condemn the manner in which BJP has repeatedly undermined the popular mandate in Maharashtra. Not only is democracy being butchered but they are using the national anthem to provide cover for such disgraceful actions.

“On one hand, BJP is arresting political opponents on trumped-up corruption charges while they themselves are on an MLA purchasing spree. Hard-earned public money is being misused to quench BJPs’ thirst for power,” Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.

Ajit Pawar, prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), joined the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra on Sunday and took oath as the state’s deputy chief minister. In a remarkable turn of events, Ajit Pawar arrived at Raj Bhawan with eight MLAs to see Governor Ramesh Bais.

Ajit Pawar quits NCP, takes oath as new Deputy CM of Maharashtra

July 2, 2023, 2:37 pm

On Sunday, Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar joined the Maharashtra cabinet as deputy chief minister, backed by numerous MLAs. He will hold the position with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.

This move comes only days after Ajit Pawar announced his intention to resign as Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly.

Along with Ajit Pawar, 9 NCP leaders took oath as ministers, including Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, and Dilip Walse Patil. The inauguration event was held in Raj Bhawan.

Ajit Pawar had earlier met with certain party leaders and MLAs at his official residence in Mumbai. The meeting was unknown to NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

“I do not know exactly why this meeting has been called but, being the leader of the Opposition, he [Ajit Pawar] has the right to call a meeting of MLAs. He does that regularly. I don’t have much detail about this meeting,” Pawar had said.

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and working president Supriya Sule were among those present at the meeting, which was held at Ajit Pawar’s official mansion ‘Devgiri,’ although state party president Jayant Patil was absent.

Following Ajit Pawar’s mutiny, the NCP is on the verge of a split, less than a month after Sharad Pawar quit as party chief only to resign three days later.

ED issues second summon to NCP Chief Jayant Patil

May 15, 2023, 2:11 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday summoned Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and MLA Jayant Patil to appear before the agency on May 22, in a case concerning Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) scam.

This is the second summon by the agency sent to the NCP leader in connection with the alleged IL&FS scam. On May 11, the ED summoned Patil to appear before the agency, to record his statement in the case. However, he later cited his busy schedule and requested ED for another date to appear before it.He had sought 10 days’ time from the federal agency.

The ED is probing the NCP Maharashtra chief’s alleged involvement in dubious loans extended to Kohinoor CTNL by IL&FS, which filed for bankruptcy in 2018.The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities in IL&FS Group’s loan and equity investment in Kohinoor CTNL, which is one of the defaulters. Kohinoor CTNL is developing the Kohinoor Square tower in Dadar (West).The ED began its probe into the IL&FS money laundering case in 2019 based on a First Information Report by Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW).

Producer of ‘The Kerala Story’ should be hanged”: NCP leader Jitendra Awhad

May 9, 2023, 3:55 pm

Amid the ongoing controversy over the movie ‘The Kerala Story’, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Jitendra Awhad on Tuesday said that the producer of the movie should be hanged in public.

“Under the name of ‘The Kerala Story’, a state and its women were defamed. The official figure of three was projected as 32,000. The person who produced this fictional movie should be hanged in public,” NCP leader Awhad said. The movie has been produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah.

Earlier in the day, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit condemned the ban of ‘The Kerala Story’ movie by the West Bengal government and called it a “big attack” on the freedom of expression.

This comes a day after the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal banned the film ‘The Kerala Story’ citing “maintenance of peace” and to avoid incidents of “hatred and violence” in the state.Reacting sharply to the ban of the film, Pandit who is also the president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association told , “I condemn the banning of the film ‘The Kerala Story’ by the West Bengal government. It’s a big attack on the freedom of expression of a filmmaker. It is sending the wrong signal to the entire country.

West Bengal became the first state to ban the film, which narrates the ordeal of three women who are trafficked to ISIS camps after being converted to Islam through marriage.

NCP committee dismisses Sharad Pawar’s decision to step down

May 5, 2023, 4:21 pm

A committee set up to select the new leader of the Nationalist Congress Party has dismissed the decision by current party president Sharad Pawar to step down, according to Praful Patel, a senior leader in the party.

”The comittee has unanimously passed a resolution. It unanimously rejects his plan to resign and wants him to stay on as party president,” Patel said following the committee meeting.

The committee, which was established by Pawar himself, includes Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule, former Union minister Parful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, after he announced on 2 May that he would be resigning as NCP chief.

“We will meet Pawar saheb with this resolution and request him to reconsider his decision,” Patel said, adding that Pawar’s leadership is needed by the party and the country.

“Pawar saheb is a respected leader in the country. There was a strong response against Pawar’s decision. The emotions cannot be ignored,” Patel said.

As the meeting took place, NCP workers wearing “I am with saheb” caps demanded that Pawar reconsider his decision.

Sharad Pawar stands by his decision to quit as NCP chief: Jayant Patil

May 4, 2023, 4:22 pm

Jayant Patil, the Maharashtra president of NCP, has stated that Sharad Pawar continues to stand by his decision to step down as the party’s chief, days after doing so.

“Pawar Saheb has taken the decision. He still stands by his decision for now. However, people from all over Maharashtra and other places are requesting him to take back his decision,” said Patil while addressing a press conference. Sharad Pawar on Tuesday, while announcing his resignation, said that he has decided to step down as the president of the NCP after helming it for 24 years and stated that he will not contest any more elections.

“After this prolonged period of political career from May 1, 1960, to May 1, 2023, it is necessary to take a step back. Hence, I have decided to step down as President of the Nationalist Congress Party,” Pawar said after the launch of the second edition of his autobiography ‘Lok Maze Sangati’.

The state president further said that all sections of the state have requested Sharad Pawar to take back his decision, at least till the next elections.
“I have conveyed the message of party leaders and workers. All sections of Maharashtra have requested Pawar Saheb to take back his decision, atleast for the next elections,” he said.

Patil said, “Several people have joined NCP because Sharad Pawar was the chief of the party. Not just Maharashtra but from other parts of the country people have joined the party just because of him”.

He further also said that he has explained all this to Sharad Pawar and has requested to withdraw his decision. “We have explained all this to Sharad Pawar. Everyone is requesting Pawar Saheb (Sharad Pawar) to withdraw his decision,” added Patil.
Moments after NCP chief Sharad Pawar announced his resignation from the party president’s post on Tuesday, his nephew Ajit Pawar supported the former’s decision saying that the next party chief will work under Sharad Pawar.
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Jitendra Awhad follows Sharad Pawar, steps down as NCP General Secretary

May 3, 2023, 2:38 pm

A day after Sharad Pawar, the supremo of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), decided to quit as the party’s president, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad on Wednesday submitted his resignation from his position as the party’s general secretary on Wednesday.

“I have informed Sharad Pawar of my resignation from the position of National General Secretary. All the office bearers of Thane NCP’s office also submitted their resignations, according to Jitendra Awhad. Thousands of NCP leaders, employees, and fans expressed their emotions in response to Pawar’s sudden resignation announcement on Tuesday and pleaded with him to reconsider.

Chhagan Bhujbal, Jitendra Awhad, and Dilip Walse Patil were among those who encouraged Pawar to change his mind.

Pawar was considered a key player in bringing all the Opposition parties on one platform before the 2024 general election.

Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar later clarified that the NCP veteran would need two to three days to change his mind after initially claiming that “Pawar Saheb himself had said about the necessity of change in guard a few days ago.”

The NCP was established in 1999 by Sharad Pawar, who has served as party leader for the previous 24 years.

The seasoned politician announced that he would not contest elections and suggested the formation of a committee made up of senior NCP officials to determine the next steps.

Sharad Pawar expresses concerns over MVA unity, Sanjay Raut says alliance intact

April 24, 2023, 1:24 pm

Sanjay Raut, the leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Bal Thackeray), said on Monday that the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra would remain intact just after Sharad Pawar expressed doubts about its cohesion ahead of the state Assembly elections.

Sharad Pawar in Amravati said, “Today, we are a part of Maha Vikas Aghadi, and we are willing to work together. But the desire alone is not always enough. The allotment of seats, whether there are any problems or not, has not been discussed yet. So how can I tell you about this?” Reacting to the NCP chief’s remarks, Raut said, “Maha Vikas Aghadi will remain. Its prominent leaders are Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. In 2024, MVA parties will fight (Maharashtra Assembly) election together.”

Meanwhile, following the buzz of NCP’s Ajit Pawar joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition in Maharashtra.”If someone is trying to break away (Ajit Pawar from NCP), then, it is their strategy and they must be doing that. If we have to take a stand, then we will take a firm stand. It is not right to speak anything on it as we have not had any discussions regarding this,” Pawar said.

Iqbal Mirchi Case: ED attaches four floors of Former Minister Praful Patel’s property

February 8, 2023, 2:49 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) confirmed the attachment of properties of former minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel in the Iqbal Mirchi case. The attached property includes four floors in the prime property Ceejay House at Worli belonging to Praful Patel and his family. Praful Patel will have to evacuate these four floors now from the prime property of Ceejay House in Worli.

Police book Nawab Malik’s son in forgery case

January 18, 2023, 4:29 pm

In a case of the alleged submission of forged documents for his wife Hamleen’s visa extension, Mumbai police booked Faraz Malik, son of former minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Wednesday. Under the Foreigners Act 1946, a case has been filed against Faraz Mailk and his wife. However, the fake documents were allegedly submitted by Malik’s son between 2 March and 23 June 2022.

CM Shinde meets Dhananjay Munde at Mumbai hospital

January 11, 2023, 12:50 pm

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai on Wednesday and met Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde who met with an accident on 4 January. Munde met with the accident on 4 January near Parli and was injured after which Munde was airlifted from Latur airport for the treatment of his injuries. In the previous Sena-NCP-Congress government, Munde was the minister for social justice.

Maharashtra Opposition to protest on 17 December

December 16, 2022, 7:57 am

On the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, Opposition leader Ajit Pawar announced a protest rally on Saturday. The protest will focus on the border issue and will start on 17 December. The protest will be a peaceful and silent march. “Our protest rally on 17 December will focus on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue, insult of Maharashtra’s icons by the Governor and BJP leaders, and other issues. It’ll be a silent and peaceful march. We’re yet to get permission for it,” NCP leader Ajit Pawar said. Meanwhile, the NCP leader also urged people to join the protest rally in large numbers.

NCP leader Nawab Malik’s bail plea postponed till January 6

December 13, 2022, 3:38 pm

In connection with a money laundering case, the Bombay High Court refused to urgently hear the bail plea of Nationalist Congress Party leader Nawab Malik on Tuesday. Meanwhile, till 6 January court has deferred the hearing. The court has also asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file a reply on the health of the former Maharashtra minister within two weeks. Earlier on Monday Malik’s bail plea was filed and the special court rejected it. However, on 23 February Nawab Malik was arrested by the ED over a property deal allegedly linked with gangster Dawood Ibrahim.