Maharashtra Govt Formation Updates: Backing BJP wasn't a revolt, says Ajit Pawar at NCP, Shiv Sena, Congress meet

NCP puts up posters supporting Ajit Pawar

Poster of Ajit Pawar put up in Baramati by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers. The poster states “…let us decide now what you should or should not do. All of Maharashtra is looking towards you as a future chief minister”.

Maharashtra: Poster of Ajit Pawar put up in Baramati by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers. Poster states "...let us decide now what you should or should not do. Whole Maharashtra is looking towards you as a future Chief Minister". pic.twitter.com/zc46JQ7Pwy

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Will not oppose Maha Vika Aghadi govt: CPM

The CPM, in a statement, said it will not oppose formation of the new Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government of the Shiv Sena, the NCP and the Congress to ensure that the BJP does not return to power.

The party also demanded sacking of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for playing a “partisan role at the behest of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister”.

Give prominent position to Ajit Pawar, NCP legislators demand

Even as Ajit Pawar insists that he has always been with the NCP, party legislators have said that he should be given a prominent position in the new government, News18 said.

Bombay HC allows swearing-in at Shivaji Park, but says such functions shouldn’t become regular feature

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday raised security concerns over the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.

Thackeray, who is set to be sworn in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra tomorrow, will form a government led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, in the state.

The issues cropped up while the court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO in 2010.

The court has not stopped the function but has asked the authorities to strengthen the security around the park. It also observed that such functions should not become a regular feature in the area.

ANI

BVA declares support to NCP, Congress, Sena alliance

Hitendra Thakur-led Bahujan Vikas Agadhi (BVA), which has three MLAs, has pledged support to the Maharashtra Vikas Agadhi (MVA) formed by the
Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress.

With the support of 3 MLAs, from the party the the alliance will have 169 MLAs in 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

PTI

It was not a revolt, Ajit Pawar tells alliance MLAs

Speaking about his support to the BJP for government formation in the state. Ajit Pawar said that it ws not a revolt. On being asked about his role in the NCP, he said: “Did NCP remove me? Did you read about my removal from the party?”

PTI

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train not our priority: Sena leader

Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar, a minister in the previous BJP-Sena government, questioned the need for a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and said that it was not a priority for his party, which is set to form government in the state in alliance with the NCP and Congress. 

“If you have to spend Rs 3,500 (estimated cost of the Bullet train ticket) for journey from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, (then) there is option of flight. It was okay when Gujarat and Maharashtra were one state and Mumbai was the capital. You needed that connectivity. I can’t say if this is needed in present times. We are not opposing anything, but our first priority is farmers,” PTI reported him as saying.

Reap what you sow, HD Kumaraswamy tells BJP

JD(S) leader and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy lashed out at the BJP for its “lust for power, game of toppling governments and forcing unwanted elections”. 

" Popular adage ‘reap what you sow’ aptly applies to (Devendra) Fadnavis," he added. 

Hope Maharashtra setback dawns wisdom on BJP to shed its LUST for power, game of toppling govts and forcing unwanted elections.#MaharashtraPoliticalDrama

— ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ | H.D.Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) November 26, 2019

Mamata Banerjee invited for Uddhav Thackeray’s swearing-in

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who is an outspoken critic of the BJP has been invited to the swearing-in of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as the new chief minister of Maharashtra, sources at the CMO told PTI.

Shiv Sena to have 15 ministers, Congress and NCP to have 13 each

Sources told ANI that the Maha Vikas Aghadi had decided upon the following sharing of cabinet berths:  “Shiv Sena to have 15 ministers and chief minister, NCP to have deputy chief minister and 13 other ministers. The Assembly Speaker will be from the Congress, which will also get 13  cabinets.”

Sources: Apart from Chief Minister, Shiv Sena to have 15 ministers, NCP to have Deputy Chief Minister and 13 other ministers. Congress to have Assembly Speaker and 13 ministers. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/iYXBFSQu19

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

 Ahead of swearing-in ceremony, CM-designate Uddhav Thackeray meets  Sharad Pawar

Following hectic parleys between Sharad Pawar and senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, K C Venugopal add others, Maharashtra chief minister-designate Uddhav Thackeray met NCP president Sharad Pawar at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. 

Pawar and Thackeray, chief of the Shiv Sena, are expected to discuss issues related to the latter’s ministerial council and the swearing-in ceremony, to be held at Shivaji​ Park in Dadar on Thursday evening.

PTI

One who forgives is the greatest, says Nawab Malik onTwitter, tags Sharad Pawar

In a tweet tagging NCP chief Sharad Pawar, party leader Nawab Malik said, “One who admits to mistakes is great, and the one who forgives is the greatest.”

गलती सुविकारने वाला महान होता है और उसे माफ करने वाला सब से महान @PawarSpeaks#mahar

— Nawab Malik نواب ملک नवाब मलिक (@nawabmalikncp) November 27, 2019

Leaders like me could’ve helped BJP win more seats: Eknath Khadse

The rifts within the BJP are coming out in the open, with sebior leader Eknath Khadse alleging that  leaders like him, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Vinod Tawde and some others were “deliberately kept out” of the state election campaign.

He said the BJP could have won 20 to 25 seats more in the last month’s Maharashtra Assembly polls, if he and the  other party leaders were actively involved in the election campaign.

PTI

Uddhav Thackeray reaches NCP, Congress, Shiv Sena meet in Mumbai

Maha Vikas Aghadi’s chief ministerial candidate Uddhav Thackeray has reached the YB Chavan centre in Mumbai, where MLAs of the alliance are holding a meeting. 

Maharashtra: CM-designate Uddhav Thackeray arrives at YB Chavan centre, in Mumbai for the meeting of Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena MLAs. He will take oath as the Chief Minister of the state tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/iMo51dSgFj

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Prime minister, president and Maharashtra governor all involved in ‘midnight affair’: Chidambaram 

Referring to the midnight swearing in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Congress leader P Chidambaram said: " The governor, prime minister and the president were all responsible for that midnight affair. It is sad that the president is involved, deeply sad that he is woken up at 4 am in the morning."

“That is the way they celebrate Constitution Day. That is the honour they show to the Constitution,” he said.

P Chidambaram while being taken to jail after hearing: Governor, Prime Minister & President were all responsible for that midnight affair (Fadnavis & Ajit Pawar oath). It is sad that the President is involved, deeply sad that he is woken up at 4 am in the morning. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/2THOdgMZ3C

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Visual of Ajit Pawar at YB Chavan Center

Mumbai: Ajit Pawar at the meeting of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs held at Y. B. Chavan Centre, earlier today. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/n0T4aPoFwA

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Giving chief minister’s post to party with 56 seats is horse-trading : Amit Shah

“All Shiv Sena MLAs win elections by fighting with us. There is not a single MLA who has not put up a poster of Modi ji. In his assemblies, Modi ji had bigger cutouts than BJP assemblies. Don’t all these people of the country and Maharashtra know?

“Isn’t giving support in lieu of the chief minister’s post greed? I tell Sharad ji and Sonia ji that they should try saying that the chief minister will be theirs and then take the support of Shiv Sena. The coalition with about 100 seats is giving the chief minister’s post to the 56-seat party, this is horse-trading.”

मुख्यमंत्री पद का लालच देकर समर्थन लेना खरीद फ़रोख़्त नहीं है क्या?

मैं शरद जी और सोनिया जी को कहता हूँ कि एक बार बोलकर देखे की मुख्यमंत्री उनका होगा और फिर शिवसेना का समर्थन लें।

लगभग 100 सीटों वाला गठबंधन 56 सीट वाली पार्टी को मुख्यमंत्री पद दे रहा है ये खरीद फ़रोख़्त ही है। pic.twitter.com/v2guJEy8ZH

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 27, 2019

‘Shiv Sena insulted people’s mandate, not BJP’ : Amit Shah lashes out at former ally

In a series of tweets, Amit Shah lashed out at it former ally and reiterated that he never promised Shiv Sena the CM’s post before elections.

“Shiv Sena has done the work of insulting the mandate of Maharashtra, not BJP. Those who put MLAs in camps, broke the pre-poll alliance, are today blaming the BJP. Leaving their ideology, these three parties are going to form the government after abandoning all values” he said.

“I again clarify that we never gave any assurance to the Shiv Sena for the post of Chief Minister. Every time, even in the meetings where Aditya Thackeray or Uddhavji were on the stage with us, we also said that Devendra Fadnavis would become the chief minister of Maharashtra, Why did he not protest then?”

मैं पुनः स्पष्ट करता हूँ कि हमने शिवसेना को मुख्यमंत्री पद का कोई आश्वासन कभी नहीं दिया।

हमने हर बार यहाँ तक कि जिन सभाओं में आदित्य ठाकरे या उद्धव जी हमारे साथ स्टेज पर थे हमने वहां भी कहा कि देवेन्द्र फडणवीस महाराष्ट्र के मुख्यमंत्री बनेंगे, तब इन्होंने क्यों विरोध नहीं किया? pic.twitter.com/uIWwdjYVIF

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 27, 2019

Sonia Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal among those invited for swearing in ceremony

Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde confirmed that Sonia Gandhi has been invited for the oath taking ceremony on Thursday. Congress’ Vijay Wadewattiwar told ANI that all Congress chief ministers, MK Stalin, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal have also been also invited.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who was nominated as the Maha-Vikas Aghadi’s chief ministerial candidate, will be sworn in at a grand ceremony at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park at 6.30 pm on Thursday. 

Vijay Wadettiwar, Congress: All Congress Chief Ministers , MK Stalin, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal have also been also invited for the swearing-in ceremony tomorrow. (file pic) #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/koCEWzNJ8W

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha witnesses rare occurrence of MLAs being sworn in before appointment of chief minister

The swearing-in of members of the 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly marked a rare occasion when the House assembled for the first session without formation of a government and appointment of chief minister. State Vidhan Bhawan’s in-charge secretary Rajendra Bhagawat told PTI that during the last couple of decades, the chief minister was sworn in first followed by other members. “The floor test is also then conducted immediately or in the following session. In the present case, no chief minister has been administered oath, but the swearing-in ceremony of House members is being held,” he noted.

Devendra Fadnavis took oath as MLA

Day after resigning as Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as a BJP MLA. 

Took my oath of MLA in Vidhan Sabha this morning. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/AcT0lHAO7z

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 27, 2019

RECAP |   Shiv Sena worker resigns after party forms govt in alliance with Congress, NCP

Following Uddhav Thackeray’s decision to join hands with the Congress and NCP to stake claim to form government in Maharashtra, a Shiv Sena worker from Mumbai announced his resignation on Tuesday night.

“My conscious and ideology does not permit me to work with Congress. I cannot work half heartedly (sic),” he tweeted.

My Resignation

I am resigning from my respected post in BVS/YuvaSena and @ShivSena
I thank @OfficeofUT and Adibhai @AUThackeray for giving me opportunity to work and serve the people of Mumbai, Maharashtra and Hindustan pic.twitter.com/I0uIf13Ed2

— Ramesh Solanki🇮🇳 (@Rajput_Ramesh) November 26, 2019

Sharad Pawar reaches YB Chavan Centre for key NCP meet

NCP chief Sharad Pawar to chair key NCP meet at YB Chavan Centre. Ajit Pawar will be present at the meeting.

Ajit Pawar takes oath as NCP MLA

Day after resigning as deputy chief minister,  Ajit Pawar was sworn in as an NCP MLA earlier today. After the oath-taking ceremony, Ajit said that he has always been with the NCP. 

As an elected Member of Legislative Assembly of @NCPspeaks, took oath in Vidhansabha today. Pledged to respect & have faith in our Constitution, maintain the sovereignty & unity of our country while fulfilling all my duties diligently.

— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 27, 2019

Fadnavis only Maharashtra CM to have resigned from post twice in same month

Devendra Fadnavis has become the first chief minister of Maharashtra to have resigned from the post two times in the same month.

He is also now in the book of records to be the Maharashtra chief minister with the shortest tenure of 80 hours. He resigned on 26 November after being sworn in on 23 November. He had also resigned from the post on 8 November.

Preparations to host oath-taking ceremony at Shivaji Park begin

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister at 6.40 pm on Thursday.

Mumbai: Preparations underway at Shivaji Park, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister of #Maharashtra, tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/AgO2VNw7NY

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Congress, Shiv Sena leaders to meet at 6 pm

The leaders are expected to discuss power-sharing, reports India Today.

Overconfidence could have brought down BJP in Maharashtra, says party leaders

Even as Shiv Sena continued talks with the NCP and Congress till last Thursday, the BJP was certain that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party could not break ties with its “ideological brother” and interpreted the Sena’s outbursts as “attempts to regain the lost glory of Matoshree and a visit from the BJP top leadership to Matoshree could break the stalemate”, senior party leaders told Indian Express .

Seen as a sign of the BJP’s overconfidence, Ajit Pawar’s resignation and move back to the NCP fold dented Narendra Modi’s image and made the saffron party look like a power-grabbing one. the leaders said.

Maharashtra government’s chief standing counsel in Supreme Court resigns

Maharashtra’s chief standing counsel in the Supreme Court Nishant Katneshwarkar sent his resignation, hours after Devendra Fadnavis resigned as the Chief Minister, The Times of India reported. Katneshwarkar handled important cases in the Supreme Court, including the one filed by Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress over the government formation in the state, said he was stepping down “in view of change in political scenario at the government level”.

In his letter to the principal secretary of Maharashtra, he sought to be relieved forthwith. He told TOI, “I was appointed in April 2015 during the tenure of CM Devendra Fadnavis and I felt it was my bounden duty both, legally and morally, to step down since now there is change of reign in the state.”

Ajit Pawar attends NCP MLAs meet, day after resigning as deputy CM

NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who joined hands with the BJP last week to form government in Maharashtra but quit it later, attended a meeting of his party MLAs today.
 

The meeting was held at the YB Chavan Centre and was also attended by Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil and senior party leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil.
 

Ajit Pawar on Tuesday resigned as Dy CM citing “personal reason”, following which Devendra Fadnavis too stepped down as chief minister, leading to collapse of the BJP-led government.

Bombay HC raises security concern over Uddhav Thackeray’s oath ceremony at Shivaji Park

The Bombay High Court raised security concerns over the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister at Shivaji Park, and said holding such functions at a public ground should not become a regular feature.
 

Henceforth, everyone will want to use the ground for such ceremonies, a division bench of Justices SC Dharmadhikari and RI Chagla said. “We do not want to say anything about tomorrow’s ceremony. We are only praying that nothing untoward happens,” the court said while hearing a plea of NGO Wecom Trust on whether the Shivaji Park was a playground or a recreation ground.
 

“What will happen is that this (holding ceremonies) will become a regular feature and everyone will want to use the ground for such ceremonies,” the court said. The high court had in 2010 declared the area as a ‘silence zone’ after the PIL was filed by the NGO.

PTI

Chidambaram slams egregious violation of the Constitution by BJP in Maharashtra

Congress’ P Chidambaram attacked the BJP over the way Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister, saying it was an “assault” on the office of the President to wake him at 4 am to get the order revoking President’s rule signed. “Why could it not have waited until 9.00 am in the morning?,” he asked in the tweet.

“What will remain in memory of Constitution Day 2019 is the most egregious violation of the Constitution in Maharashtra between November 23 and November 26, 2019,” Chidambaram said in a tweet posted by his family on his behalf.

Warm greetings to the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress Coalition government. Please subordinate your individual party interests and work together to implement the common interests of the three parties - farmers' welfare, investment, employment, social justice and women and child welfare.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 27, 2019

Shiv Sena leaders celebrate at the Parliament complex a day ahead of Uddhav Thackeray’s swearing in ceremony in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park

Delhi: Shiv Sena leaders celebrate in Parliament premises, ahead of oath-taking ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray as Maharashtra Chief Minister on 28 November. pic.twitter.com/fta6QXYoVy

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Three MLAs not administered oaths; Speaker election likely on 30 Nov

In the 288-member House, two members – Sudhir ​Mungantiwar (BJP) and Devendra Bhuyar (Swabhimani Paksh) – did not take oath on Wednesday, a Vidhan Bhavan official said.
 

Pro tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar took oath on Tuesday after being appointed to the post by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. Two members – Mahesh Baldi (Independent), Mohammed Ismail (AIMIM) – were administered oath in the Speaker’s chamber as they arrived after the House was adjourned, legislature secretary Rajendra Bhagwat told PTI.

Sources in the Congress said the election for the Speaker’s post will be held on November 30.

Ashok Chavan responds to Fadnavis’ ’three wheels’ remarks

Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan hit out at Devendra Fadnavis’ ’three wheels’ remark saying, “Three wheels are better than two wheels.”

Yesterday, hours before stepping down as Chief Minister, Fadnavis took a jibe at the Congress-National Congress Party-Shiv Sena coalition government in the state stating, “Even an autorickshaw runs on three wheels, but if the three wheels work in three directions, we know what happens. That is what is in store for the Sena-NCP-Congress government.”

Chavan, while commenting on the common minimum programme said, " our main objective is to keep BJP out."

ANI

Senior Congress leaders meet Sharad Pawar

Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel reached NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s residence. The parties are to discuss the modalities of tomorrow’s oath-taking ceremony and a common minimum programme for the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which is the alliance between NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress.

Mumbai: Senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Mallikarjun Kharge arrive at NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's residence pic.twitter.com/c05lIEYw43

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Modi equally involved in insult to democracy in Maharashtra, says Siddramaiah

Congress leader Siddaramaiah said that the events in Maharashtra are a slap on the face of the BJP. “How could Fadnavis take oath knowing he did not have majority? It was a violation of the constitution,” he said.

Siddaramaiah,Congress: What has happened in Maharashtra is a slap on the face of BJP. How could Fadnavis take oath knowing he did not have majority? It was a violation of the constitution. Narendra Modi was equally involved in this insult to democracy, he was also hand in glove. pic.twitter.com/3bontXu0XA

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Nine Cabinet, four state minister berths for Congress

Congress will get nine Cabinet and four state minister berths in Maharashtra, sources told CNN-News18. The Congress has given up claim for the Assembly Speaker’s position.

Six ministers to take oath alongside Uddhav Thackeray at Shivaji Park, claims report

A meeting will be held between Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar at 3.30 pm today a day ahead of the Shiv Sena chief’s oath-taking ceremony at Shivaji Park, India Today reported.

Sourced told the television channel that six ministers are likely to take oath as ministers alongside Uddhav.

At the ceremony’s venue Shivaji Park, the stage will be built in front of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue and 20 LED screens will be installed for live screening of the proceedings. 70,000 chairs will be set up for audiences, according to India Today.

BJP should not have allied with Ajit Pawar, says Eknath Khadse

Shiv Sena leader and Worli MLA said there are many first-time MLAs in the Assembly and they felt proud while taking oaths during the ceremony held today at the Vidhan Sabha.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Eknath Khadse said that in his opinion, the BJP should not have taken support of Ajit Pawar. “He is an accused in the massive irrigation scam and faces many allegations, so we should not have allied with him.” he told reporters.

Ajit Pawar says he is with the NCP, as Fadnavis remains silent on resignation

Talking to reporters about joining hands with the BJP and then reverting to the NCP fold, Ajit Pawar said," I was with NCP and I am with NCP. Have they expelled me? Have you heard or read this anywhere?"

“The decision to induct me in the cabinet is to be taken by Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister,” he said.

Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis held his silence on being asked if it was a mistake to ally with Ajit Pawar. “I will say the right thing at the right time,” he said.

Sharad Pawar has forgiven Ajit Pawar, says Nawab Malik

As the swearing in of 288 MLAs continues in the Vidhan Sabha, senior NCP leader Nawab Malik said that Ajit Pawar admitted his mistake and Sharad Pawar has forgiven him, adding that it was a family matter.

“He is very much in the party and his position in the party has not changed,” Malik said.

SC refuses urgent hearing of plea against Maha Aghadi alliance

Supreme Court refused to grant urgent hearing of a plea against the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance, alleging ‘breach of trust of voters against the mandate in Maharashtra’. The plea called the alliance ‘unconstitutional’.

Chhattisgarh CM slams misuse of Governor’s office

In a veiled attack against the BJP’s misuse of power by administering oath to Devendra Fadnavis on 23 November, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel criticised the misuse of the Governor’s office.

“I congratulate Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray who showed unity and it is a victory of the democracy. Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar should not have taken oaths. The office of Governor has been made a gimmick and also was misused,” he said.

Without naming the BJP, Chief Minister Baghel said they cannot respect dissent. “Their nationalism does not allow them to give space for dissent. Our nationalism has been inspired by great people including Dayanand Saraswati, Ramakrishna Paramhans, Tilak, Raja Ram Mohan Roy,” he said.

ANI

Portfolio sharing to be decided in next two days, says Congress’ Balasaheb Thorat

Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat told PTI the sharing of portfolios among the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in the next state government will be finalised in the next two days.
 

Thorat, the Congress Legislature Party leader in the House, said, “The number of Cabinet and Minister of State (MoS) posts to be given to each party will also be finalised in next two days.” He also denied knowing about the possibility of him being made the deputy chief minister.

Rahul Gandhi to skip Uddhav Thackeray’s swearing in

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will not attend Uddhav Thackeray’s swearing in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, CNN-News18 reported, in an attempt to keep a distance from the Shiv Sena.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be invited for the ceremony to be held on 28 November at 6.40 pm at Shivaji Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal hits out at Maharashtra Governor

Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who also represented Shiv Sena in the plea filed in the Supreme Court against Governor ‘s decision to allow the swearing in of Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and his deputy, fired a fresh salvo at Bhagat Singh Koshiyari. He said that the Governor violated the spirit of the Constitution.

With the encouragement of Chanakya

Governors

First take oath to protect the Constitution

Then :

Arunachal
Uttarakhand
Goa
Karnataka

Now :

Maharashtra

Openly violate both the letter and spirit of the Constitution

— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) November 27, 2019

Jayant Patil, Balasaheb Thorat to be appointed deputy chief ministers, says NCP’s Majeed Memon

Senior NCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Majeed Memon told ANI that group leaders of their respective parties – NCP’s Jayant Patil and Congress’s Balasaheb Thorat – will become Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra.

He said that the tri-party alliance will resolve the major issues in Maharashtra. “Devendra Fadnavis government has done a lot of wrong things. We will try to correct it,” Memon said.

NCP-Cong-Sena govt will not last for long, says BJP’s Ram Satpute

BJP MLA Ram Satpute said that the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena government will not last for many days.

“We will work as a good Opposition under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis. This government will be only there for a few days. This government is of ‘Jayachandon’ (a character in Mahabharata referring to betrayal) and will not continue for many days,” Satpute told ANI.

Will serve Maharashtra as strong, forceful Opposition, says Ashish Shelar

BJP leader Ashish Shelar said that his party will serve the people of Maharashtra as a strong and forceful Opposition.

The BJP leader informed that in a meeting of party MLAs held on Tuesday, which was addressed by Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrakant Patil and attended by several other leaders, a resolution was passed in which the MLAs expressed complete faith in the leadership of Fadnavis and thanked him for his service to the people of Maharashtra in last five years.

Long way ahead, Sanjay Raut says in a poem shared on Twitter

In a poem shared on Twitter, Shiv Sena elader Sanjay Raut said that the real test of the government lies ahead of them and that it is a long path ahead.

अभी तो इस बाज की असली उड़ान बाकी है
अभी तो इस परिंदे का इम्तिहान बाकी है
अभी अभी मैंने लांघा है समुंदरों को
अभी तो पूरा आसमान बाकी है

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) November 27, 2019

No surprise if Sena finds its place at the Centre soon, says Sanjay Raut

Talking to reporters, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the “suryayaan” has landed safely on the Mantralaya in Mumbai.

“You shouldn’t be surprised if this Suryayaan now lands in Delhi as well,” he said.

#WATCH Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Maine kaha tha,'hamara surya yaan mantrale ke chhate manjil par safely land karega',tab sab hass rahe the. Lekin hamare surya yaan ka safe landing hogaya. Aane wale samay mein agar ye surya yaan Delhi mein bhi utre toh aapko aashcharya nahi hoga. pic.twitter.com/d5aWqpT4yu

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Maharashtra plan changed after SC verdict on floor test, says Babanrao Pachpute

 
BJP leader Babanrao B Pachpute said that after the Supreme Court ordered that a floor test be held in the Maharashtra Assembly, the BJP admitted in a Core Committee meet that the party did not have numbers. “The plan changed after the SC verdict and we decided that Devendra Fadnavis should resign. It was clear that we will not use horse-trading and other strategies to form a government,” he told ANI.

Visuals of Supriya Sule greeting Ajit Pawar at the entrance of the Maharashtra Assembly ahead of the oath-taking ceremony

#WATCH NCP leader Supriya Sule welcomed Ajit Pawar and other newly elected MLAs at #Maharashtra assembly, earlier today. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/vVyIZfrl1x

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Ajit Pawar’s position in govt to be decided by party, says Sunil Tatkare

When asked whether Ajit Pawar will be given a position in the Maharashtra Cabinet, senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare told CNN-News18, “The party will decide on his position in the government. We are glad that he is back.”

Uddhav Thackeray meets governor at Raj Bhawan 

Shiv Sena chief and chief ministerial candidate of Maha Vikas Aghadi – the newly-formed ideologically opposed merger of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress – Uddhav Thackeray and his wife Rashmi meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.

#WATCH Shiv Sena Chief & 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance) CM candidate, Uddhav Thackeray and his wife Rashmi meet #Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/cubFSPPPHR

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

No decision on Deputy Chief Minister yet: Balasaheb Thorat

During the special Maharashtra Assembly session in Mumbai President Balasaheb Thorat said that decision is yet to be taken on who will become deputy chief minister next.

#Maharashtra Congress President Balasaheb Thorat in #Mumbai: No decision has been taken on who will be deputy CM. pic.twitter.com/G2BKMxKr0p

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

I was with NCP throughout: Ajit Pawar 

On being asked whether Ajit Pawar will be part of Maharashtra government, NCP MP Sunil Tatkare tells CNN-News18, “The party will decide on his position in the government. We are glad that he is back.”

After the oath-taking ceremony, Ajit Pawar says, “I was with the NCP only. Whatever the party will decide will happen.”

Maharashtra govt’s chief standing counsel in Supreme Court resigns, claims report 

After BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis stepped down from the chief ministerial post on Tuesday, Maharashtra’s chief standing counsel in the Supreme Court, Nishant Katneshwarkar, sent in his resignation, too, to the government on Tuesday, reported The Times of India . 

Katneshwarkar, 44, has handled all important cases that landed in the apex court, including the one filed by Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress over the government formation in the state said he was stepping down “in view of change in political scenario at the government level”.

BJP MLAs Vijaykumar Gavit and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil sworn-in as presiding officers

In the House, pro-tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambar announced Babanrao Pachpute, Vijaykumar Gavit and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil as the presiding officers for administering oath of the members.

Presiding officers Pachpute and Gavit were the first to take oath followed by caretaker chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Supriya Sule shares photo with Rashmi Thackeray

NCP MP Supriya Sule shared a photograph with Uddhav Thackeray’s wife Rashmi Thackeray. She also shared a photograph with Mumbai Mayor and Sena leader Kishori Pednekar and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde.

After the Maharashtra Assembly elections ended with a hung verdict and the alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena fell out over the sharing of the chief ministerial post, the coming together of Sena and NCP-Congress was questioned over the opposing ideologies of the parties.

With Mrs.Rashmi Thackeray. pic.twitter.com/9KO7KZsX8f

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) November 26, 2019

Sharad Pawar’s wife responsible for bringing Ajit Pawar back into NCP fold

Pratibha Pawar, the NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s wife, prevailed upon the rebel Ajit Pawar to return to the fold, sources close to the family told The Print .​

“He (Ajit Pawar) has tremendous respect for Pratibha tai and cannot turn a deaf ear to her pleas,” said one of the sources.

According to the sources, Pratibha weighed in with Ajit because she did not want a split in the family and was anguished about fingers being pointed at her husband over Ajit Pawar’s rebellion. “Pratibha tai was very anguished that saheb’s credibility was being questioned. She went to meet Ajit dada on her own,” said a second source.

We will work under Ajit Pawar’s guidance, says Rohit Pawar

Rohit Pawar, NCP MLA and grand nephew of Sharad Pawar , told ANI that he is happy about Ajit Pawar’s return to the party fold. “Going forward, we will work under his guidance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena’s Neelam Gorhe said that the day marks the fulfillment of Balasaheb Thackeray’s dream. “Maha Vikas Aghadi will be led by Uddhav Thackeray and guided by Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi, will do great work for Maharashtra,” the senior leader said.

Aaditya Thackeray, Chandrakant Patil, other MLAs take oath

After over a month since voters gave a fractured mandate in Maharashtra, the state has a government formed by an alliance of the Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP.

Mumbai: Newly-elected Maharashtra MLAs take oath at the special Assembly session called by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. pic.twitter.com/5Xg17143RH

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

No rift in family, says Supriya Sule

NCP MP Supriya Sule extended a warm welcome to Ajit Pawar at the Vidhan Sabha, adding that there is no rift within the Pawar family.

“Everyone has a role to play in the party,” she told reporters.

Her statement comes days after Ajit Pawar broke ranks within the NCP to join hands with Devendra Fadnavis to for a government in Maharashtra. He then resigned from the deputy chief minister post on 26 November.

Mumbai: NCP leaders Ajit Pawar & Supriya Sule arrive at the assembly, ahead of the first session of the new assembly today. Oath will be administered to the MLAs in the assembly today. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/lyGtcCunif

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal among MLAs who have been administered oaths

The Maharashtra Assembly currently comprises 105 BJP MLAs, 56 Shiv Sena, 54 NCP and 44 Congress MLAs. Twenty-nine MLAs belong to smaller parties or having contested as independent candidates will also be sworn in.

Uddhav Thackeray likely to get elected to Legislative Council, claim reports

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is likely to get elected to the Legislative Council. Sources told CNN-News18 that he is likely to be elected unopposed from Worli, Mahim, Wadala or Sewri.

Aaditya Thackeray offered prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple

Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray offered prayers at the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi before going to the Vidhan Sabha for the oath-taking ceremony of MLAs.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray offers prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple, ahead of the first session of new assembly today. From 8.00 am onwards, oath will be administered to the MLAs in the assembly. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/drMVjqOGIy

— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2019

MLAs begin to arrive at Vidhan Sabha in Mumbai

MLAs, including Devendra Fadnavis, Aaditya Thackeray, Ajit Pawar, Dhananjay Munde and Anant Patil, were welcomed at the Maharashtra Assembly in Mumbai’s Nariman Point area by NCP MP Supriya Sule.

Uddhav Thackeray to be sworn in as chief minister

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra at Shivaji Park Dadar on 28 November, 6.40 pm.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari writes to Uddhav Thackeray stating,"as requested today orally,the oath of office&secrecy would be administered to you on Thursday, 28 November at 1840 hours at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai." pic.twitter.com/ZbdA7qSkUW

— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2019