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Sharad Pawar Backs Caste Census, Suggests Raising 50% Reservation Cap

November 7, 2024, 1:04 pm

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar on Thursday voiced support for Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s call for a caste census, emphasizing that the NCP has advocated for such an initiative for three years. Pawar argued that a caste census could reveal important insights and potentially lead to raising the current reservation cap of 50%.

“Our stance has been clear. We have been pushing for a caste census for three years,” said Pawar. “Once the facts are out, it may become essential to raise the 50% reservation limit, as a clearer picture will emerge.”

Earlier, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to endorse a caste census to address the representation of marginalized communities. He further expressed a commitment to dismantling the 50% reservation cap to advance social justice.

During a meeting in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Gandhi questioned the lack of data on the representation of Dalits and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in areas like business and the judiciary. His call aligns with the Congress party and the INDIA bloc’s longstanding advocacy for a nationwide caste census as a step toward inclusivity.

In a notable move, Telangana is currently conducting its first-ever caste census. Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced that the survey, set to run from November 6 to November 30, aims to gather comprehensive demographic data, with enumerators assigned to survey 150 households each. “This fulfills an electoral promise to conduct a caste survey that will inform future decisions to support these households,” Prabhakar explained.

The push for a caste census continues to gain traction among opposition leaders, who view it as a progressive step toward social equity in India.

Supreme Court Orders NCP to Clarify ‘Clock’ Symbol Ownership in Disclaimer

November 6, 2024, 5:46 pm

The Supreme Court has directed the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to publish disclaimers in newspapers, including Marathi dailies, within 36 hours, stating that the use of the ‘clock’ symbol remains a sub-judice matter. This directive was issued by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan.

Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ajit Pawar, assured the court that the disclaimers would be published within the stipulated timeframe. Initially, Singh mentioned that the NCP was complying with all conditions imposed by the Supreme Court regarding the use of the ‘clock’ symbol and had contacted newspapers to publish a fresh undertaking, estimating a two to three-day timeframe for publication. However, the bench emphasized the urgency, stating, “Within 24 hours, maximum 36 hours, you publish disclaimer in newspapers and make sure whatever you are relying upon, is there,” Justice Kant told Singh.

Counsel for Sharad Pawar submitted that the Ajit Pawar faction was allegedly destroying evidence by deleting videos uploaded on social media without the required disclaimers. They presented photographs from November 1, taken in the Baramati constituency, showing that posters from the Ajit Pawar side lacked disclaimers. The counsel added that the senior Pawar’s faction is being forced to approach the court repeatedly due to the alleged violations by the Ajit Pawar faction.

A fresh application was filed by the Sharad Pawar group, alleging violations of the conditions by the Ajit Pawar faction. On March 19, the Supreme Court allowed the Ajit Pawar faction to use the ‘clock’ symbol with certain conditions, including issuing a public declaration that the use of the ‘clock’ symbol for Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly Elections is sub-judice and subject to the outcome of the challenge made by the Sharad Pawar group to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision. The court also directed the Ajit Pawar faction not to use the name and images of Sharad Pawar in its campaign materials.

Following a rift between the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the NCP, the ECI recognized Ajit Pawar’s party as the real NCP based on its legislative majority and allotted the ‘clock’ symbol to it. The Supreme Court had asked the Sharad Pawar faction to use the name ‘Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar’ for upcoming elections and the ‘man blowing turha’ symbol. Earlier, the apex court had directed that the ECI’s order of February 7, allotting ‘Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar’ as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction, will continue until further orders.

In a related development, the Supreme Court on October 24, 2024, directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to use the ‘clock’ symbol in its publicity material for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter is sub-judice before it. The court also directed Ajit Pawar to file a fresh undertaking over its March 19 and April 4 directions to issue a public notice stating that the NCP’s ‘clock’ symbol is sub-judice, ensuring meticulous compliance even during the state assembly elections process.

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The ongoing dispute over the ‘clock’ symbol has significant implications for the NCP’s identity and electoral strategy, highlighting the complexities of party symbols in Indian politics. The Supreme Court’s directives aim to ensure transparency and prevent voter confusion during elections.

Sharad Pawar Hints at Retirement from Parliamentary Politics in Baramati Speech

November 5, 2024, 3:07 pm

Veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar hinted at a potential retirement from Parliamentary politics on Tuesday. Speaking at a gathering in Baramati, Pawar, 84, noted that his current term in the Rajya Sabha has a year and a half remaining, suggesting he may not seek another term. “I will have to think whether to go in Rajya Sabha again or not,” he remarked, indicating he might step down from the Upper House.

Campaigning for Family Amidst Local Rivalries

Pawar was in Baramati to support his grandnephew and NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly election, set for November 20. Yugendra will be contesting against his uncle, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, intensifying the family dynamics within the election. Earlier this year, the Lok Sabha seat for Baramati was also a family affair, with Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, emerging victorious over Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar.

Reflecting on Ajit Pawar’s Contributions to Baramati

During his speech in Shirsuphal, Baramati, Sharad Pawar acknowledged the significant work Ajit Pawar has done for the region. He noted Ajit’s role in local development for over 25 years, entrusting him with decisions on local bodies, sugar cooperatives, and dairy operations. However, Pawar hinted at the need for new leadership to ensure sustained growth in the coming decades, adding that “everyone should get an opportunity” and that it’s essential to groom leadership that will serve for the next 30 years.

Pawar emphasized the need for a fresh approach, suggesting that Baramati’s next phase of development would require new leaders who can carry forward the legacy he and Ajit Pawar have established. “We need to groom leadership that will work for the next 30 years,” Pawar stated, positioning himself as a leader ready to make way for a new generation.

In a veiled remark, Pawar appeared to criticize Ajit Pawar, noting that while he hasn’t restricted anyone’s rise, people might disapprove of a leader who “keeps saying he will take everything.” Despite this, he expressed his deep connection to Baramati and conveyed his confidence that the region’s people have always supported him.

Rahul, Kharge to launch guarantees for Maha on Nov 6 along with Uddhav, Sharad Pawar

November 2, 2024, 2:38 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will be announcing the guarantees for Mahatrashtra in presence of NCP- SP faction chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) faction Uddhav Thackeray on November 6.

Congress Maharashtra incharge Ramesh Chenithalla on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Nagpur on November 6.

He will first address the Samvidhaan Samman Sammelan in Nagpur.

Chenithalla said, “On November 6, Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, Uddhav Thackeray and sharad Pawar will be holding a joint rally on Mumbai BKC area.”

He said that Maha Vikas Aghadi will be announcing the guarantees for Maharashtra on the same day.

According to party leaders, this will be a common minimum programme and the guarantees have been made after the three parties held a detailed discussion.

This comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders targeting the Congress for not fulfilling the guarantees in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh where it has been in power and accused the grand old party of announcing guarantees only to come to power.

Meanwhile, Kharge responded to the charge of the Prime Minister and gave a point t by point rebuttal saying that the Modi’s guarantees are the cruel joke to 140 crore people of the country.

Speaking to ITV network, Chenithalla also slammed the Prime Minister for not fulfilling promise of providing 2 crore per year and transferring Rs 15 lakh into bank accounts of every citizen.

‘It Took Generations To Build Unity in Our Family, It Only Takes a Moment to Shatter It’: Ajit Slams Sharad Pawar

October 28, 2024, 6:13 pm

After submitting his nomination papers for the Baramati assembly constituency on Monday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar delivered a poignant speech at a rally, accusing his uncle, Sharad Pawar, of dividing their family by supporting a rival candidate against him. “I previously admitted to making a mistake,” he said, “but it seems like others are now making errors too. My family and I had agreed to file the form in Baramati first, but that didn’t happen.” Ajit noted his mother’s plea against fielding a candidate against him, but he learned that “Saheb [Sharad Pawar] instructed someone to file a nomination against me.”

Ajit further lamented the familial split caused by this decision, saying, “Saheb created the split within the family… It took generations to build unity in our family, and it only takes a moment to shatter it.” He appealed to his supporters, urging that “politics should not descend to such a low level” and argued for maintaining family unity and respect, despite political differences.

Ajit Pawar is set to face his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, Sharad Pawar‘s choice to contest from Baramati. Ajit’s connection to the Baramati constituency dates back to 1991, a seat he has held for decades with overwhelming support. In the 2019 Assembly elections, Ajit secured victory by over 165,000 votes, underscoring his political clout in the region. However, the Pawar family dynamics have evolved significantly in recent years, marked by Ajit’s alignment with the Mahayuti government and his split from Sharad’s NCP faction last year. This realignment intensified internal family tensions, which culminated in Ajit’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, losing her Lok Sabha seat to Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, by a margin of 1.5 lakh votes earlier this year.

Addressing the criticisms of his development work in Baramati, Ajit explained, “Some people question development work done in Baramati; it doesn’t mean making roads and building schools is all there is to development.” He expressed his commitment to broader social improvements, stating that he needs “to understand what development truly means… I understand you have a right to speak, but what you talk about is not understandable.”

Ajit Pawar expressed confidence in his chances of winning, declaring that “the Mahayuti [alliance] will come back in power” on November 23, the day after the election results are declared. He reassured his supporters, vowing that ongoing schemes like the Ladli scheme would continue, particularly those designed to benefit farmers. “If they [the opposition] come to power, they will shut it down,” he warned, adding that his government’s return to power is vital to fulfill promises made to the people.

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The Pawar family dynamics have historically shaped the political landscape of Baramati, where Ajit has long held sway. Yet this election, pitting him against Yugendra Pawar, carries high stakes and reflects the deeper divide within the NCP factions. This contest in Baramati has become a focal point in Maharashtra’s upcoming state elections, where voters’ choice may redefine the Pawar legacy in the constituency and could mark a turning point for Ajit Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra politics.

NCP Shakeup: Umesh Patil Resigns Ahead Of Maharashtra Polls—What’s Next?

October 23, 2024, 3:56 am

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 23: In a major setback for the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), chief spokesperson Umesh Patil has tendered his resignation ahead of the crucial Maharashtra polls.

Meeting with Sharad Pawar

The unexpected development occurred on Tuesday during Patil’s meeting with NCP-SCP Chief Sharad Pawar at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Following this meeting, Patil formally submitted his resignation to NCP President Sunil Tatkare.

Ongoing Negotiations Among Alliances

As the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners engage in negotiations to resolve seat-sharing disputes, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole expressed optimism. “We are hopeful that this will be the final meeting for seat-sharing,” Patole stated, referring to his discussions with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Upcoming Polls and Candidate Lists

Balasaheb Thorat, another party leader, assured that the candidate list for the assembly polls would be released soon. “We have a time limit, and the list will be finalized shortly,” Thorat added.

BJP Strengthens Position

In a related political shift, former Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Rajkumar Badole joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on October 22, a move that may influence the electoral landscape.

Polling Dates

Maharashtra assembly elections are set for November 20, with results for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, the Shiv Sena won 56, and the Congress obtained 44.

Sunita Kejriwal Meets Sharad Pawar Amid Alliance Speculations

August 20, 2024, 3:21 pm

Amid rumours of a potential alliance with the NCP (SCP) for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, Sunita Kejriwal, wife of the incarcerated Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, met with NCP (SCP) leader Sharad Pawar at his Pune office late Sunday evening. However, NCP (SCP) Pune president Prashant Jagtap denied these speculations, stating that the meeting was simply a courtesy call and had no political implications.

“Sunita Kejriwal was in Pune for personal work and paid a visit to Pawar Saheb’s office. There was no political discussion between them. It was a personal meeting,” Jagtap told ANI.

In contrast to Jagtap’s statement, Aam Aadmi Party’s Maharashtra spokesperson Mukund Kirdat asserted that Sunita Kejriwal met with Pawar to seek his support for her husband’s release.

“As per my information, during the meeting, Sunita Kejriwal likely sought support to plan a nationwide protest by the I.N.D.I.A. bloc in support of Arvind Kejriwal before his bail hearing later this month. Beyond this, I am unsure whether they discussed the Haryana and Maharashtra elections. She directly went to the office and then returned to Delhi,” Kirdat said.

The Haryana assembly election is set for October 1, as confirmed by the Election Commission of India, while the election schedule for Maharashtra has not yet been announced. Earlier this month, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray visited Sunita Kejriwal at the Delhi CM’s residence during his three-day stay in the national capital. He was accompanied by his son, MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and party leader Sanjay Raut. AAP MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha were also in attendance.

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 Holds Meetings in Pune Amid NCP Crisis

July 18, 2024, 1:13 pm

Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar took decisive action on Thursday by convening urgent meetings with party leaders from Pimpri Chinchwad in Pune. This move follows a significant setback to the NCP’s local leadership after several key members, including Ajit Gavhane, chief of the Pimpri Chinchwad unit, defected to a faction led by veteran politician Sharad Pawar within the NCP.

The meetings, held at the Pune Circuit House, aimed to address the internal turmoil caused by these defections and strategize to stabilize the party’s presence in the region. Ajit Pawar’s proactive approach underscores his commitment to navigating the challenges ahead of the upcoming state elections, where every seat holds strategic importance.

Maharashtra | NCP leader and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is meeting party leaders from Pimpri Chinchwad, at Pune Circuit House

Yesterday, 29 NCP corporators joined NCP-SCP in the presence of Sharad Pawar in Pune. pic.twitter.com/HOmuKBFiVu

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2024

These developments have not only disrupted the NCP’s organizational structure but also raised concerns about its unity within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. As Ajit Pawar seeks to restore cohesion and shore up support within the party, his leadership will be closely observed amidst the evolving political landscape of the state.

The outcome of these deliberations and Ajit Pawar’s subsequent actions will likely shape the NCP’s course and influence broader political dynamics in Maharashtra. As the state prepares for electoral battles, the NCP faces the task of regaining stability and presenting a unified front to voters, amidst ongoing challenges and internal dissent.

Sharad Pawar Considers Ajit Pawar’s Return to NCP Amid Political Changes

July 18, 2024, 12:16 pm

Speculation and discussions within the National Congress Party (NCP) have intensified over the possible return of Ajit Pawar, former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, to the party fold. Sharad Pawar, addressing from Pune, emphasized that any decision regarding Ajit’s comeback would be a collective one, reflecting the importance of unity within the party following its recent electoral successes.

Ajit Pawar’s departure from the NCP last year to join the Mahayuti government alongside the Shiv Sena and BJP caused significant internal divisions. This move also granted Ajit control over the NCP’s name and election symbol, exacerbating rifts within the party founded by Sharad Pawar himself. Recent defections from Ajit Pawar’s camp back to Sharad Pawar’s faction, including prominent figures dissatisfied with the NCP’s electoral outcomes, underscore the fluid dynamics within Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Under Ajit Pawar’s leadership, the NCP faced setbacks in the recent Lok Sabha elections, losing three out of four contested seats. In contrast, Sharad Pawar’s alliance with the Congress and Shiv Sena secured a strong victory, winning eight out of ten constituencies. The contrasting electoral performances have intensified debates within the NCP about its future direction and leadership.

The NCP now stands at a critical juncture, grappling with strategic decisions amidst evolving political dynamics in Maharashtra. The outcome of Ajit Pawar’s potential return will likely influence party alliances and strategies leading up to the next state elections, shaping the broader political landscape of the region.

As stakeholders within the NCP deliberate over these crucial decisions, maintaining party cohesion and navigating internal dissent will be paramount. Sharad Pawar’s emphasis on collective decision-making underscores the challenges of balancing internal unity with external electoral pressures. The party’s ability to reconcile these factors will determine its resilience and effectiveness in Maharashtra’s ever-changing political theater.

Sharad Pawar Takes a Jibe at PM Modi: “Wherever He Campaigned, We Won”

June 16, 2024, 12:10 am

Sharad Pawar, a prominent leader in Maharashtra politics and a key figure in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, recently expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) underwhelming performance in the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra. The MVA, comprising Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, and the Congress party, emerged victorious with 30 out of 48 seats, compared to BJP’s nine.

Pawar’s acknowledgment of Modi’s role was delivered with a hint of irony, noting that wherever the Prime Minister campaigned, the MVA coalition saw success. This statement was seen as a subtle way of attributing the BJP’s defeat to Modi’s personal involvement in campaigning.

The BJP’s disappointing outcome led to Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, offering his resignation, though it was declined by the party’s central leadership. This electoral setback underscored the MVA coalition’s strength and posed challenges for the BJP ahead of state assembly elections later in the year.

Looking ahead, leaders from the MVA coalition expressed optimism about replicating their Lok Sabha success in the upcoming assembly polls. The coalition, which came together to uphold democratic values and counter BJP’s influence, aims to capitalize on their current momentum to bring about a change in power in Maharashtra.

The political landscape in Maharashtra has been marked by shifting alliances and internal divisions within parties like Shiv Sena and NCP. Ajit Pawar’s defection to the BJP ahead of previous elections had caused a split within the NCP, highlighting the volatility and strategic manoeuvres typical of Maharashtra politics.

Since forming the MVA coalition after the 2019 assembly elections, the alliance has navigated challenges and maintained stability, positioning itself as a formidable force against the BJP’s dominance in the state.

Maharashtra politics intensifies: Pawar, Thackeray vie for CM post

June 15, 2024, 3:51 am

The Lok Sabha result outcome has changed the picture this time. Many new equations were seen before and after the elections. Given the current political situation across the country, predicting the direction of Maharashtra politics until the elections is increasingly challenging. Both the All India Alliance and the NDA face potential fractures. If both alliances break apart, the BJP is likely to benefit.

Following the Lok Sabha elections, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena might separate from the Mahavikas Aaghadi alliance. Whether Thackeray will align with the BJP or contest independently remains uncertain. Nevertheless, he is gearing up to contest all 288 seats.

For the BJP, Thackeray’s separation from Congress, in any form, is seen as advantageous.
Experts note that during the Lok Sabha elections, Uddhav Thackeray’s UBT had conflicts with Congress over seat allocations. Despite these conflicts, seat distribution was managed, but UBT incurred losses while Congress and Sharad Pawar’s party gained. UBT managed to win only 9 out of 21 seats.

While Congress won 13 out of 17. Whereas last time Congress had only one seat. Pawar’s NCP was successful in 8 out of 10. UBT suffered the biggest loss. It came down from 19 to 9. If seat sharing happens in the assembly according to the results of Lok Sabha, then UBT will be in the biggest loss. Congress will claim to contest the maximum number of seats and will also demand the post of CM. UBT feels that it did not gain much from the alliance while Congress and Pawar’s party benefited from it. Sharad Pawar has said that smaller parties should join the Congress. Thackeray’s Shiv Sena also fears that if Pawar’s NCP merges with the Congress, it will become weak. Experts also believe that if Pawar’s party merges with the Congress and Sharad Pawar is made the CM face, Uddhav Thackeray will be weakened. Sharad Pawar has also given a statement in Pune on Thursday that he is trying to take charge of Maharashtra. The meaning being drawn from this statement of Pawar is that he wants to become the CM of Maharashtra once again.

This is possible only if Congress supports him. Congress will also agree to Pawar’s name. On the other hand, Uddhav Thackeray is trying to become the CM again. UBT spokesperson Sanjay Raut today again staked claim to the CM’s chair and said that his leader Uddhav Thackeray will be the next CM of Maharashtra. This is being considered a direct message to Congress. UBT feels that they are being weakened. In this situation, Thackeray can separate from the Congress alliance. If Thackeray separates, BJP will try its best to bring him together. The current situation of BJP is such that it will accept all the conditions of Thackeray.

Along with giving Thackeray the CM post, BJP can also give him a higher share of seats. Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis can be brought to Delhi. BJP is also not seeing any benefit from Ajit Pawar’s NCP. As far as CM Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is concerned, it will also accept Thackeray.

The BJP has not yet revealed its full strategy. The political landscape in Maharashtra is expected to become clearer after the election of the national president later this month. Indications suggest that the new president might be from Maharashtra, with significant influence from the Sangh.

If the Sangh intervenes, it could facilitate a resolution between Thackeray and the BJP.
The BJP stands to benefit if Thackeray’s Shiv Sena contests the elections independently, which could potentially lead to a split in the NCP, currently part of the NDA. Meanwhile, MNS leader Raj Thackeray has surprised the BJP by announcing that his party will contest the elections alone. Consequently, significant political upheaval is anticipated in Maharashtra in the coming days.

Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar Factions Lead In Maharashtra Lok Sabha Polls

June 4, 2024, 3:58 pm

The Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra have seen a significant shift in the political landscape, with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar’s factions emerging as the clear winners. The Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have allied with the Congress, and their combined strength has given them a strong lead in the state.

Thackeray and Pawar Factions Outperform Breakaway Groups

As of 2 pm, Team Thackeray is leading on 11 Maharashtra seats, while Mr Pawar’s NCP is ahead on 7 seats. In contrast, their breakaway factions, led by Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, are leading on 5 and 1 seats, respectively.

INDIA Alliance Leads in 29 Seats, BJP on 18

Overall, the INDIA alliance is ahead in 29 seats, while the BJP is leading in 18 seats. This marks a significant dent in the NDA’s performance in the state compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Maharashtra’s Political Landscape Changed Dramatically

The political landscape in Maharashtra has undergone significant changes since the 2019 polls. The BJP and Shiv Sena were in an alliance then, winning 41 out of 48 seats. The NCP won four seats, and the Congress one. However, the alliance fell apart over the Chief Minister’s post, leading to the formation of a new government with the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.

Thackeray and Pawar’s Fights Pay Off

The fights of both leaders, Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, have paid off in the polls. Mr Thackeray’s alliance with the NCP and Congress has given him a strong foothold in the state, while Mr Pawar’s battle to maintain his party’s identity has also been successful.

Trends Indicate Boost for Maha Vikas Aghadi

The trends so far indicate a significant boost for the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which will be crucial for the state polls later this year. The alliance’s performance will give it a strong morale boost as it prepares for the upcoming elections.

Sharad Pawar Addresses Media

Addressing the media, Mr Pawar said that this election represents change in the country and Maharashtra has played a big role. “I am proud of the people of Maharashtra,” he said, adding that the INDIA alliance leaders will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss their next steps.

Polls Should Be Conducted With Truth, Transparency, Says Supriya Sule

May 7, 2024, 2:33 pm

After casting her vote in the third phase of the election at Baramati, a member of the parliament and the candidate Supriya Sule had emphasized on peaceful and transparent election.

While addressing the media, she also talked about the importance of upholding democratic principles and conducting free and fair election.

“In a strong democracy, the Constitution should be kept at the centre and elections should be conducted with truth and transparency in the country. The third phase of voting is ongoing, and it should be done peacefully,” said Sule.

About Baramati Constituency

Baramati has long been a bastion of the Pawar family. However, the competition in Baramati has intensified with the recent split of the NCP party.

Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket against her sister-in-law, NCP-SP candidate Supriya Sule. It is crucial to note, that the NCP-SP candidate has consecutively won three times.

So, in this constituency, Sule is seeking her fourth term after defeating BJP’s Kanchan Rahul Kul in the 2019 election, where she received 686,714 votes, amounting to 52.63 percent.

Supriya Sule Casts Her Vote In Baramati

May 7, 2024, 10:54 am

As the voting commences in Baramati Lok Sabha Constituency for Lok Sabha election, NCP-SCP MP chief and candidate Supriya Sule cast her vote.

Afterward, she displayed her inked finger upon exiting the polling station in Baramati. Thus, signifying the importance of voting and civic duty through her participation.

NCP-SCP MP and candidate from Baramati Lok Sabha seat, Supriya Sule shows her inked finger after casting her vote at a polling station in Baramati, Maharashtra for the #LokSabhaElections2024

NCP has fielded Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar from… pic.twitter.com/7OrNEQgmD2

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024

The four-time chief minister of Maharashtra and the NCP-SP patriarch Sharad Pawar also casted his vote along with his daughter.

Meanwhile, Baramati, being a stronghold of Pawars, is witnessing stiff fight between two factions of the family. The NCP led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has fielded his wife, Sunetra Pawar as the candidate. Who also casted their vote at Katewadi, Baramati.

While the incumbent MP Supriya Sule too is expected to put up a great fight in the Pune District’s constituency.

About The Constituency

Baramati is divided into six Assembly segment which enjoys the voter base of 23,72,668. Historically, it has witnessed a triangular fight between or seen a split in victory between NCP, Congress and BJP.

But this time, the domination of Pawars in Baramati and Indapur is under contention due to the split of the party. Thus, hinting at the potential division of votes.

The prospects of incumbent MP Supriya Sule’s support depend upon the support from Bhor and Purandar as they are congress’s stronghold.

But places like Daund and Khadakwasla to present a challenge as these seats are BJP-held.

Lok Sabha elections 2024 : Lakshadweep to witness triangular fight

April 5, 2024, 8:28 am

In the upcoming Lok Sabha election in the union territory of Lakshadweep, a three-cornered contest is anticipated between the NCP led by Sharad Pawar, the Congress party, and the faction of NCP led by Ajit Pawar, which is supported by the BJP.

The current Lok Sabha member, Mohammed Faizal Padippura from NCP will face competition from Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed of the Congress party and Yusuf T P from NCP Ajit Pawar. The constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribes, is set to go to the polls on April 19 in a single phase.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Mohammed Faizal Padippura emerged victorious with 22,851 votes, while Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed of the Congress party secured 22,028 votes. Previously, Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed had won the Lok Sabha polls in 2009 for the Congress party.

Yusuf TP, the candidate from NCP will contest the election with the backing of the BJP. The Lakshadweep constituency will have a total of 55 polling stations.

The general elections for all 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place in seven phases, beginning on April 19. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4. Approximately 97 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes across the country.

SC asks Ajit Pawar faction for using Sharad Pawar’s photos for campaigning

March 14, 2024, 3:13 pm

The Supreme Court raised questions to the Ajit Pawar faction on Thursday, which has been formally recognized as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) by the Election Commission of India, regarding the use of veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s photos for campaigning. Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan suggested that the Ajit Pawar group refrain from using Sharad Pawar’s name and file an undertaking to that effect. They also advised using a different symbol than the ‘clock’ to avoid confusion.

The bench advised the Ajit Pawar faction to uphold their distinct political identity, stating, “You are a different political party now. You have chosen not to be with him. Now stick to this. Why use his (Sharad Pawar) picture… Go with your own identity now…”

The Supreme Court also issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar faction, seeking its response by Saturday on an application from the Sharad Pawar group concerning the alleged misuse of name and images for voter appeal. The court fixed the application for further hearing on March 19.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Sharad Pawar faction, highlighted posters displayed by the Ajit Pawar faction featuring the ‘clock’ symbol and Sharad Pawar’s image, labeling it as “blatant patent deception.”

Responding to Singhvi’s arguments, the bench questioned why the Ajit Pawar faction was using Sharad Pawar’s photographs. In response, senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the Ajit Pawar group, stated that the party was not responsible for such actions, attributing them to individual members.

The Supreme Court urged the Ajit Pawar faction to ensure that their members refrain from using Sharad Pawar’s photos and demanded an unequivocal undertaking to that effect. Additionally, the court recommended issuing public notices to establish the new identities of both factions.

Singhvi objected to the Election Commission’s decision to grant the ‘clock’ symbol to the Ajit Pawar group, arguing that a new symbol should have been allotted after the party split. The bench suggested using a different symbol, noting that the order regarding the ‘clock’ symbol was under challenge before the court.

Previously, the Supreme Court had directed that the Election Commission’s order allotting ‘Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar’ as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction will continue until further orders.

Maharashtra assembly speaker declares Ajit Pawar’s faction as authenticatic NCP

February 16, 2024, 12:58 pm

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar defended his decision to recognize the faction led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar as the authentic NCP, asserting that no aspect of the ruling is “unconstitutional” or “arbitrary.”

Addressing the media a day after the decision, Narwekar emphasized the clarity of the decision, stating, “A copy of the decision has been provided to the parties. No stand in this decision is unconstitutional or arbitrary. The stand has been justified. Reasons for the same have been stated. So, I think there is no need to further analyze such a tenable and justified decision.”

However, the decision faced criticism from the UBT faction of the Shiv Sena, with leader Sanjay Raut describing it as a “comedy show.” Raut likened it to a humorous program, stating, “Rahul Narvekar has written a new episode of Hasy Jatra… It’s a caricature, it’s a blast of laughter.”

The Election Commission had previously allotted the Ajit Pawar-led faction the party name and symbol. Narwekar maintained that the assertion of vote share by Ajit Pawar is undisputed by the Sharad Pawar faction, and the matter of legislative majority is also uncontested.

The Speaker dismissed pleas from both factions to disqualify MLAs after a vertical split in the party in June 2023, ruling that it was not a defection from the NCP party. He clarified that the actions and statements made between June 30 and July 2 were considered intra-party dissent.

Previously, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline until February 15 for Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to issue the final order on the plea from the Sharad Pawar faction seeking disqualification of rebel MLAs led by Ajit Pawar. On February 6, the Election Commission, applying the test of majority in the legislative wing, recognized Ajit Pawar’s faction as the legitimate NCP and permitted the use of the ‘clock’ symbol for the party.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar to Merge NCP Faction with Congress?

February 14, 2024, 3:18 pm

According to reports, the NCP group led by Sharad Pawar may combine with the old parent party Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The talks on a merger are ongoing, but it is unclear if it will take place before or after the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

According to certain sources, the Congress High Command has urged that Sharad Pawar join his faction (Sharad Pawar Faction) with the Congress and run for office under the same emblem.

This news comes only days after the Election Commission designated the Ajit Pawar-led NCP factions as the’real NCP,’ awarding them both the party’s name and symbol. On February 6, the poll panel, applying the majority test in the legislative wing, concluded that Ajit Pawar’s side was the true NCP and allowed the faction to use the party’s ‘clock’ symbol.

This left the party’s founder, Sharad Pawar, with a simple choice: register his fraction as the ‘Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar).’ As a result, it is anticipated that Pawar senior may decide to return to his parent party and combine with them in order to obtain more authority over the ruling parties.

According to local sources, a critical meeting was held at Pawar’s Modi Bagh mansion in Pune with top party leaders to deliberate future strategy. However, there have been no verifiable reports on the political strongman’s approach regarding his desire to return to where he started.

Sharad Pawar began his political career with the Congress party. He was elected for the first time in 1967 from the Baramati Assembly constituency. Following this, he was a member of the Congress Party until 1999. Following this, he resigned the Congress leadership and founded the Nationalist Congress Party.

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.

NCP’s Sharad Pawar to meet Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi in Delhi today

October 6, 2023, 2:03 pm

Sharad Pawar, the head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), will meet Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and party member Rahul Gandhi on Friday in Delhi. Later today, the meeting will take place at Kharge’s home in Delhi. The Sharad Pawar faction and the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP are currently arguing their cases before the Election Commission of India regarding alleged infringements on the party’s name and symbol.

In the midst of a conflict between the two factions, Ajit Pawar approached the Election Commission earlier in July to stake claim to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the party symbol. Later, the Election Commission acknowledged the split in a letter to both factions of the party and instructed Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar to exchange any documents they had submitted to the election body. The case before ECI is being heard for the first time today.

Dilip Walse Patil :”Sharad Pawar is tallest leader but he never formed govt on his own”

August 21, 2023, 4:52 pm

Sharad Pawar is not a powerful leader like Dilip Walse Patil, the former home minister of Maharashtra, but he has never formed a government on his own. Dilip Walse Patil joined the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar after previously supporting Sharad Pawar in the party.

Patil while addressing party workers at Ambegaon taluka, his constituency, he said, “We always say that there is no big leader like Sharad Pawar in the country, but the people of Maharashtra have never given him a majority and never made him the Chief Minister on his own.”
The former Home Minister also points out that other regional parties are moving ahead on their own, but NCP is lacking behind.
“Mamata Banerjee and Mayawati become the CM, but we have to form an alliance with someone or the other. The regional party is moving ahead on its own, but our 60 to 70 MLAs get elected and we have to form an alliance with others,” Patil said.
Dilip Walse Patil further said “We have not joined BJP, NCP is our own party, we are in NCP only. The Election Commission will decide who will get the name and symbol of the party, after that, there can be a stir in the politics of the state.”

They were informed that if they joined the BJP, “nothing would happen to their cases, but if they didn’t join, they would be taken to a different location (jail),” On Sunday, Sharad Pawar said. Ajit Pawar, who was the then-leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, switched sides a few months ago and joined the Eknath Shinde-BJP government, taking oath as the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. This sparked a crisis within the NCP. With Ajit Pawar, eight additional NCP MLAs took the oath of office as ministers.

Nana Patole says third meeting of INDIA aims to dethrone Modi government

August 18, 2023, 10:34 am

On 17 August, Nana Patole, President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) said that the upcoming meeting of the INDIA opposition bloc seeks to dethrone the Narendra Modi government from the Centre. This meeting is scheduled to be held in Mumbai on 31 August and 1 September.

The Congress leader claimed that the meeting would “give a new direction to the country”. He said, “INDIA alliance meeting will be held in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. We held a meeting today at Matoshree to organise it successfully and decided on the agenda for it. It would give a new direction to the country. The aim of the (INDIA) meeting is to oust the Modi government from the centre.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the party held a meeting to review preparations for the crucial INDIA bloc meeting, which is the third in the line after the first two in Patna and Bengaluru.

Patole also spoke on speculations over Sharad Pawar joining the Bhartiya Janata Party, after a meeting was conducted between the Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP president in Pune. He said, “Sharad Pawar is a big leader, he is capable of taking decisions for his party. He, meanwhile, has made his stand clear on the meeting between Ajit and him last week.”

NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s rally in Beed

August 17, 2023, 10:27 am

Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), will address a rally today in Parli, Beed, Maharashtra. A former Congress chief minister alleged that Ajit Pawar had offered his uncle a position in the Union Cabinet in exchange for his support, sparking a verbal exchange between the NCP and the Congress that has led to this rally.

On Wednesday, Pawar sought to refute those claims, asking, “Do you think that everything I have said up to this point has been in favor of Narendra Modi? What can I say about any leader who makes a statement without evidence? Following reports of a “secret” meeting between Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, the Congress leveled these accusations. The senior Pawar has come under fire from the congress for meeting with Ajit Pawar even though the NCP is no longer united.

Sharad Pawar countered that since Ajit was his nephew, the meeting was simply between relatives and nothing else should be inferred from it. Pawar will speak at a rally today in Parli, Beed, the district of prominent NCP rebel Dhananjay Munde. This is the senior Pawar’s second such rally, which is intended to target NCP defectors. Pawar held a rally earlier this month in Nashik, a NCP rebel district that also includes Chaggan Bhujbal. Pawar is also anticipated to hold rallies in support of other NCP rebel leaders.

Shard Pawar, while addressing a press conference on Wednesday reitrated his faith in the INDIA alliance saying that the alliance will create “janmat” across the country to oust the Narendra Modi government in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

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.

Ajit Pawar and others visit Sharad Pawar, propose to keep party united

July 17, 2023, 4:29 pm

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited his uncle and the head of the Nationalist Congress Party, Sharad Pawar, a day earlier to seek his blessing. He once again visited the party chief along with several loyal NCP MLAs on Sunday.

A close aide of senior Pawar Praful Patel, who rebelled along with his nephew to join the BJP-Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra, said numerous NCP cabinet ministers were absent during the surprise visit because it was Sunday.

“They met Sharad Pawar today after the Assembly session, and he patiently listened to us,” he claimed.

The rebel camp claimed that during their meeting with Sharad Pawar yesterday, they had asked the senior leader to prevent party division.

However, “Sharad Pawar remained tight-lipped on this matter; he just listened to us, and after meeting him, we left the scene,” NCP’s Praful Patel said.

As per the reports, the NCP supremo made it clear later in the day that his ‘progressive politics’ will continue and he will never ally with the BJP.

The 82-year-old leader has been considered a leading player in uniting and bringing various political parties on one platform against the ruling BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

A split in the NCP took place earlier this month when Ajit Pawar left the Opposition ranks and took oath as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra.

Incidentally, Ajit Pawar has more support from NCP MLAs than Sharad Pawar, who also visited his house last month to meet his aunt Pratibha Pawar, who recently underwent surgery.

Sharad Pawar NCP Chief to skip first day of 2nd joint Opposition meet in Bengaluru

July 17, 2023, 10:45 am

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar will not attend the opening day of the two-day joint opposition gathering beginning Monday in Bengaluru, the party announced.
Senior Pawar, on the other hand, will attend the meeting on Tuesday, the second day of the meeting, according to Mahesh Bharet Tapase, Maharashtra Spokesperson of the NCP’s Sharad Pawar faction. “National President @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks Saheb and Executive President @supriya_sule will attend the meeting of opposition parties to be held in Bengaluru on Tuesday 18th July,” Tapase announced in a tweet.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also said “Pawar will attend the meeting in Bengaluru tomorrow morning.”
“After the Patna meeting, the Bengaluru meeting that will emerge today will be decisive. Shiv Sena Party Chief Uddhav Thackeray will attend the meeting. There was confusion about whether Sharad Pawar would attend the meeting or not. Pawar will attend the meeting in Bengaluru tomorrow morning. I am saying this with certainty. Hum Sab Ek Hai!,” Raut said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, big posters and banners have been seen on Race Course Road in Bengaluru welcoming leaders of various opposition parties for the joint opposition meeting at the Taj West End Hotel in the Karnataka capital.

Gearing up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leaders of at least 26 Opposition parties will converge at a hotel in Bengaluru on July 17-18 as part of their efforts to present a united front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the Centre.
As per a tentative schedule, on Monday, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh, and Congress general secretary, KC Venugopal will hold a joint press conference at 11 am. All the opposition leaders will arrive for the afternoon meeting.

An informal meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. The meeting will begin at 11 a.m. on July 18 and will last until 4 p.m.
Following that, a news conference will be held to reveal the campaign strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
On June 23, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called the first big Opposition meeting in Patna. At the meeting, opposition heavyweights such as Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, and West Bengal president Minister Mamata Banerjee discussed a strategy to defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Mumbai: NCP chief Pawar’s wife admitted to Breach candy hospital

July 14, 2023, 7:55 pm

Pratibha Pawar, the wife of Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, was admitted to Breach Candy hospital here on Friday.

According to a party spokesperson, the NCP chief’s wife was transported to the hospital for hand surgery. In the meantime, her husband and daughter Supriya Sule arrived at the hospital. More details are awaited.

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.