Maharashtra Govt Formation Updates: SC to hear Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP plea against Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at 11.30 am tomorrow

NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress will defeat BJP-led govt in Assembly Speaker’s election: Nawab Malik

The new BJP-led new government in Maharashtra will be defeated in the Assembly Speaker’s election, NCP leader Nawab Malik told reporters. He expressed confidence that the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena combine will come to power in the state.

CJI in Tirupati

Even as the Shiv Sena moved the apex court, Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde is in Tirupati with his family. The CJI  offered prayers at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara near here on Saturday, a temple official said. 

Before visiting the ancient temple, Justice Bobde, who assumed office as 47th Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, participated in the sacred Sahasra Deepaalankaara ritual conducted to the processional idol of Lord Venkateswara at a mandapam close to the shrine.

After an overnight stay on the hills, the CJI would again visit the shrine on Sunday morning too, the official added.

Devendra Fadnavis misled governor, should resign: Congress’ Ashok Chavan

Congress leader Ashok Chavan claimed that 48 NCP MLAs, whose signatures were shown as proof of support for BJP and Ajit Pawar to stake claim to forming government, had attended the NCP meeting on Saturday evening. Hence, he said it appears that that Devendra Fadnavis misled the governor and called on him to resign as the chief minister.

“Ajit Pawar should also quit, own up his mistake and return to the NCP,” the Congress leader said.

At least 9 MLAs who were with Ajit swear loyalty to Sharad

At least nine NCP MLAs who attended swearing-in of Ajit Pawar as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra returned to the party fold and expressed solidarity with party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday evening.

 These MLAs were present when BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar were sworn in as chief minister and deputy chief minister at Raj Bhavan. Udgir MLA Sanjay Bansode was the latest legislator to turn up at the YB Chavan Centre here where party MLAs are attending a meeting convened by Sharad Pawar. 

Bansode appeared at the venue in a dramatic manner, accompanied by NCP leader Shashikant Shinde, and Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and Milind Narvekar. “I did not go anywhere. I am with Pawar Saheb only,” Bansode told reporters.

NCP MLA  ‘goes missing’, complaint filed

NCP MLA Daulat Daroda (Shahapur) has reportedly bee missing since Saturday morning, when he reached Raj Bhavan to attend the swearing in ceremony of Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis. Daroda’s son Karan told PTI  that the MLA has been unreachable since reaching Mumbai. 

Former MLA Pandurang Barora approached Shahapur police station and filed a missing complaint about Daroda, he added.

Visuals from the NCP meeting in Mumbai

Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party meet underway at YB Chavan Centre; NCP Chief Sharad Pawar present at the meeting. pic.twitter.com/kP70VKlGjg

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

Watch: Devendra Fadnavis sworn in as Maharahstra chief minister | Ten things to know

NCP revokes Ajit Pawar’s right to issue whip

 A resolution passed at the NCP meeting also said that Ajit Pawar’s right to issue a whip was revoked. The party authorized Sharad Pawar and Jayant Patil to decide its stand in light of the developments.

Fifty NCP MLAs present for meeting with Sharad Pawar

NCP sources told ANI that a total 50 MLAs are present in the meeting with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. 4 NCP MLAs including Ajit Pawar yet to come for the meeting. They are expected to come for the meeting shortly. All MLAs will be kept at a hotel in Mumbai.

Ajit Pawar removed as NCP legislative party leader 

Ajit Pawar has been removed as the leader of legislative party. “The decision to sack Ajit Pawar was taken at the meeting of the party’s MLAs here,” party sources told News18.

Ajit has been asked to resign as Deputy CM of Maharashtra. He has asked for time to consider his decision, News18 reported.

Cong MLAs may fly to Jaipur to escape poaching  

With Maharashtra in political turmoil following a coup by NCP’s Ajit Pawar who joined hands with the BJP on Saturday, MLAs of the ally Congress are likely to fl y to Jaipur on Sunday to ward off any poaching bid.   “We may go to Jaipur tomorrow. We will be there until the special session of the state Legislative Assembly is convened for newly-elected MLAs to take oath, election of Speaker and trust vote,” Congress MLA Nana Patole told PTI on Saturday night.

Sena should protest against formation of BJP-led govt, says Digvijaya Singh

Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh told the Shiv Sena to “take to the streets” of Mumbai to protest against the formation of a new BJP-led government in Maharashtra, reported PTI

He also claimed that NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who took oath as deputy chief minister, had joined the new government alone, and no other NCP MLA was with him.

Alleging that the swearing in of Devendra Fadnavis as the chief minister was unconstitutional, he said:“Fadnavis often raised the issue of corruption cases
against Ajit Pawar during the election campaign. Now they have come together. What will happen to these corruption cases?”

Sena asks for floor test in 24 hrs in petition: News18

News18 reported that Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi  will represent the Shiv Sena in the apex court if there is a hearing tonight. The Shiv Sena, in its petition, alleges that this is a minority government and the governor exercised his discretion illegally. The petition has also requested that a floor test be conducted within 24 hours to ward off horsetrading, News18 reported.

Prakash Ambedkar takes dig at Sharad Pawar

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar has sought to link Saturday’s political developments in Maharashtra with Sharad Pawar’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, though he didn’t name the NCP chief.

“Some leaders of the NCP met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (BJP chief) Amit Shah. The purpose (of the meeting) was stated to be to discuss issues concerning rain-hit farmers. Two days ago, Maharashtra governor announced compensation to farmers. The perception that something was fishy started developing from that point (Pawar-Modi meet),” Ambedkar told reporters.

Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge to return to Delhi

Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, mallikarjun Kharge who had been sent to Maharahstra to lead talks of government formation with the NCP and Shiv Sena will return to Delhi on Saturday, reports News18. The senior leaders are expected to meet party interim president Sonia Gandhi tomorrow.

Shiv Sena files writ petition in SC

The Shiv Sena has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court against Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyar and the BJP’s actions to form the government in Maharashtrai. The party, in its  petition to the apex court, has claimed that the governor’s actions are “arbitrary”.

Will cross 170 mark, says BJP leader Girish Mahajan

Claiming that the BJP enjoyed the support of the entire NCP, BJP leader Girish Mahajan told _News18, “_We have clear majority with BJP MLAs, Indpendent MLAs and support from NCP leaders. We will cross the 170 mark.”

Hoarding put up in Baramati in support of Sharad Pawar

The caption on the hoarding, with a photograph of Pawar senior, put up near the Baramati municipal council building, read ‘we are with an 80-year-old fighter’.  The hoarding was the cynosure of all eyes before it was removed a couple of hours later. Police said the hoarding was removed by civic officials because it was put up without permission.  

Experts differ over timing of anti-defection law: PTI

Legal experts have different opinions as to when the anti-defection law comes into play with one of them saying it has no “impact” at the time of government formation while another felt that it will apply irrespective of the fact where MLAs have taken oath.

Senior lawyer and constitutional law expert Rakesh Dwivedi, when asked as to when and how the anti-defection law will operate in Maharashtra’s case, said it has no impact at the time of government formation which always takes place before oath taking of MLAs in the Assembly.

I am with Sharad Pawar, says NCP MLA Atul Benke

Nationalist Congress Party MLA Atul Benke in Mumbai: I am with Sharad Pawar Ji. We all are together. #MaharashtraGovtFormation pic.twitter.com/DEalx3o2AW

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

Akhilesh Yadav on political situation in Maharashtra

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav on #MaharashtraGovtFormation: Ab to lagta hai ki, 'jiska Governor uski Sarkar'. pic.twitter.com/XJsNi3dZaA

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 23, 2019

Uddhav Thackeray leaves from Shiv Sena meeting

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has left from the party meeting at the Lalit Hotel, reports ANI.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray leaves from Lalit Hotel after meeting with Shiv Sena MLAs pic.twitter.com/uT2Rn848U5

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

MLA Dilip Bankar says he is still with NCP

Dilip Bankar, one of the eleven MLAs who was present for the swearing-in ceremony at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday morning, has tweeted that he is still very much with the NCP. Expressing belief in party chief Sharad Pawar’s leadership, the MLA from Niphad claimed that he had no information of what would take place at the Raj Bhavan. He also reiterated his commitment ot the party’s position.

Other MLAs who attended the swearing-in ceremony have also claimed not to have prior knowledge of the ceremony.

मी @NCPspeaks बरोबरच आहे माझा आदरणीय @PawarSpeaks साहेबांच्या नेतृत्वावर विश्वास आहे @AjitPawarSpeaks हे गटनेते असल्याने त्यांच्या सांगण्यावरून मी इतर आमदारांसोबत राजभवनात गेलो होतो तिथे काय होणार आहे या बाबत कोणतीही कल्पना नव्हती, मी पक्षाच्या भूमिकेच्या विरोधात नाही ! pic.twitter.com/VRJrTnMAzq

— Diliprao Bankar दिलीपराव बनकर (@dilipraobankar) November 23, 2019

Dhananjay Munde, eight MLAs reach NCP meeting

NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who, along with Ajit Pawar, had reportedly called 11 NCP MLAs for the swearing-in ceremony in the morning, has reached the YB Chavan Centre. Eight of the 11 MLAs are accompanying him to the party meet, reported News18-Lokmat. 

Munde’s absence from the scene had earlier triggered rumours about his exit from the party.

Stable govt will be formed under Devendra Fadnavis, sign of mature democracy, says JP Nadda

Congratulating the people of Maharashtra, BJP working president JP Nadda said that the developments in Maharshtra were a sign of a mature democracy. 

“A stable government will be formed under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra and I should congratulate people of Maharashtra. It is sign of mature democracy,” PTI reported him as saying.

Breaking: NCP leaders reach out to Ajit Pawar

Senior NCP leaders including Sunil Tatkare and Dilip Walse Patil are holding a meeting with Ajit Pawar at his brother Sriniwas Pawar’s residence, reports ANI.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is holding a meeting with NCP MP Sunil Tatkare and NCP MLAs Dilip Walse Patil and Hasan Mushrif at his brother Sriniwas Pawar's residence; Security has been heightened outside the residence of Sriniwas Pawar pic.twitter.com/KDzv2WOKpG

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

Breaking: Meeting of NCP leaders underway

Meeting of NCP leaders with party chief Sharad Pawar is underway at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Party MLAs wil later be taken outside the state, possibly to Bhopal, reports News18.

We will form ‘Aghadi’ govt: Nawab Malik

“Ten party MLAs had gone in the morning, four of them have returned; we have also established contact with majority MLAs,”, said NCP leader Nawab Malik.

He also exuded confidence that the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena will come to power in the state. “The unethical government under Fadnavis has no majority. We will defeat the BJP government in the Vidhan Sabha and form an ‘Aghadi’ government in the state,” he said.

Uddhav Thackeray to meet Shiv Sena MLAs

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray left to meet party MLAs, who are currently lodged in Hotel Lalit in Mumbai, reported News18.

Will provide stable government: Devendra Fadnavis

Addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters, newly- sworn in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he will provide a stable government. 

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai: We will provide a stable government. Modi hai toh mumkin hai!! pic.twitter.com/vpIWe7fl6h

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

Photos: Newly sworn-in Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis arrives at state BJP office in Mumbai’s Nariman Point

Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis arrives at state BJP office. pic.twitter.com/EAxmnl1K0K

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

BJP threatens Ajit Pawar with ‘jail’: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala 

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala hits out at BJP over the dramatic turn of events in Maharashtra. While addressing the media in Congress’ headquarters he alleged that BJP threatened Ajit Pawar with ‘jail’.  He further said that ‘power-hungry’ BJP has murdered democracy.

Breaking: Congress begins media presser in New Delhi

Congress to move party MLAs to Jaipur claim sources

As events took a sudden dramatic turn in Maharashtra on Saturday with a faction of NCP led by Ajit Pawar joined hands with BJP and with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis taking oath as chief minister, Congress is now planning to move its MLAs out of the state.

“Congress is planning to move its MLAs out of Maharashtra. They will be moved to a Congress-ruled state,” Congress party source said on Saturday. According to multiple reports, these MLAs are likely to be moved to Jaipur.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Ahmed Patel termed Ajit Pawar’s support to BJP to form the government in Maharashtra as a “black spot” in the history of the state, stating that nothing can be more “shameful” than this

Breaking: 9 NCP MLAs en route to Delhi

At least 9 NCP MLAs backing Ajit Pawar-Devendra Fadnavis alliance are currently on their way to New Delhi on a chartered flight, according to CNN-News18 reports. MLAs include Anil Patil, Dilip Bankar, Babasaheb Patil. 

They betrayed Balasaheb’s principles: BJP mocks Sena

“I don’t want to say anything about those who couldn’t stay true to Balasaheb’s ideals? Their opposition to Congress was well-known. Those who dump their entire legacy, are teaching us. Those who are willing to compromise for power, shouldn’t talk about Shivaji,” Union law minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said while addressing a media press conference in Delhi.

BJP won 70% success rate in 2019 polls claims Ravi Shankar Prasad

Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed that the BJP had won a 70 percent success rate in the 150 seats that were contested in Maharashtra’s 2019 polls. The Congress and NCP leaders said the mandate with them was to sit in opposition then how did they think of forming a government, he questioned.

He hit out the Shiv Sena, Congress for blaming the BJP, saying that NCP leader Ajit Pawar allying with BJP is murder of democracy. He hit back saying that “When Shiv Sena breaks a 30-year-old alliance and sides with the opposition, isn’t that the murder of democracy?”

Prospect of Fadnavis as CM led to Sena’s victory in polls says Ravi Shankar Prasad 

Throughout the election campaign, Devendra Fadnavis’ name was projected as the Maharashtra chief minister, said Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad during the media press briefing in Delhi. He claimed that the support base of BJP and the prospect of Devendra Fadnavis becoming chief minister, played a crucial role in the success of Shiv Sena candidates.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: Throughout the election campaign, Devendra Fadnavis' name was projected as the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Support base of BJP & the prospect of Devendra Fadnavis becoming CM, played a crucial role in success of Shiv Sena candidates. pic.twitter.com/WDoVJoHap5

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

‘Mandate in favour of Fadnavis’; BJP tells media

The BJP party briefed the media on Saturday over the developing situation in Maharashtra in a dramatic move post swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister early Saturday. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and BJP leader said that Fadnavis had the people’s mandate. He also said that in the five years as chief minister, Fadnavis had no corruption scandals and ran a clean government.

Breaking: BJP begins media briefing on the situation in Maharashtra 

NCP to shift its MLAs out of Maharashtra claims report

According to India Today sources, post the slated 4:30 pm NCP meeting, the party is likely to shift its MLAs out of Maharashtra to prevent horsetrading by BJP. MLA’s likely to be shifted either to Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan.

‘Now you understand what I meant’: Nitin Gadkari on Maharashtra govt formation

Reacting to the dramatic turn of events in the government formation in Maharashtra, Union minister and BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari said, “I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant.”

Union Minister & BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari on #MaharashtraGovtFormation: I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant. pic.twitter.com/Lv9Gc65tKQ

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar congratulates Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar on being sworn-in as CM, Dy CM

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for taking oath as the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Maharashtra respectively on Saturday and said the state will touch new heights of development under their leadership. 

श्री @Dev_Fadnavis जी को एक बार पुनः मुख्यमंत्री पद एवं श्री @AjitPawarSpeaks जी को उपमुख्यमंत्री पद की शपथ लेने पर बहुत-बहुत बधाई।

मुझे पूर्ण विश्वास है कि आपके नेतृत्व में महाराष्ट्र विकास के नित नए आयाम छुएगा।#MaharashtraGovtFormation

— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) November 23, 2019

Congress planning to shift its MLAs out of Maharashtra claim sources

According to sources quoted by India Today, the Congress party is planning to shift its MLAs out of Maharashtra and is likely to move them to Madhya Pradesh till the trust vote is concluded. This move comes to avoid horse-trading by the BJP, ahead of the floor tests which is slated to be held on 30 November.

Ajit Pawar blackmailed into joining hands with BJP, claims Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that NCP’s Ajit Pawar was “blackmailed” into joining hands with the BJP to form government in Maharashtra. He said Ajit Pawar might return to the NCP fold.

BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as Maharashtra chief minister, while Ajit Pawar as his deputy. “NCP leader Dhananjay Munde has been contacted. Ajit Pawar may also return (to NCP fold). We have information how Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and will expose this soon,” Raut told reporters.

Munde, who is said to have been in touch with Fadnavis since the last few days, had gone incommunicado. He is said be supporting Ajit Pawar. Munde was elected from Parli where he defeated his cousin and BJP leader Pankaja Munde.

“The new government was formed at 7 in the morning. In the cover of darkness only sins are committed,” Raut said.

– PTI

Clandestine swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis black day for Maharashtra: Ahmed Patel

The “clandestine” manner in which Devendra Fadnavis was sworn-in as the chief minister of Maharashtra will be written in black ink in the history of the state, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said on Saturday.

He also accused the BJP of crossing the limits of “shamelessness”, adding democracy stands “shattered” after the saffron party formed the government by joining hands with NCP president Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar. Patel recalled that Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had not invited the Congress to stake claim to form the government in the state after the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP were asked to do so earlier this month.

Sharad Pawar should join NDA, will be rewarded: Union minister Ramdas Athawale 

Meanwhile, Union minister Ramdas Athawale squarely blamed the Shiv Sena for the dramatic turn of events in Maharashtra and urged NCP chief Sharad Pawar to walk over to the NDA camp, hinting that he might be rewarded with a plum portfolio at the Centre.

He said Pawar should also consider backing his rebellious nephew Ajit Pawar – sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. “Sharad Pawar, too, should consider revising his stance and joining the NDA. He may get some good portfolio at the Centre,” Athawale said when asked about the difficulty the NCP faction headed by Ajit Pawar might face in engineering a split before the floor test on 30 November.

Athawale, who heads the RPI  a Maharasthra-based pro-Dalit outfit  was here to attend a function in his capacity as the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in the Narendra Modi government.

-PTI

BJP to hold press conference at 2:30 pm

News18 reports Maharashtra’s BJP unit likely to address a press conference at 2:30 pm. Earlier today, Shiv Sena and NCP addressed a joint press conference at 2:30 pm. It was followed by a press conference by Congress which was attended by Ahmad Patel and Mallikarjun Kharge.

‘Will fight on political, legal fronts’: Congress leader Ahmed Patel 

Congress leader Ahmed Patel claimed that legal opinions have begun and that the party is consulting lawyers. “We will fight this on both fronts, political and legal,” he added. 

All our MLAs are intact…we can form a government in Maharashtra. We will try both politically and legally…all 3 of us (NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena) are together." he said.

NCP, Congress, Shiv Sena alliance will ‘defeat BJP in trust vote’: Ahmed Patel 

At a Congress media press conference, Ahmed Patel rued over the swearing-in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis as the Maharashtra chief minister, and slammed the BJP for its “foul play”. Patel said, “All the three(Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena) parties are together in this and I am confident we will defeat BJP in the trust vote. All Congress MLAs are present here except two who are right now in their village, but they too are with us.” 

Ahmed Patel,Congress: All the three(Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena) parties are together in this and I am confident we will defeat BJP in the trust vote. All Congress MLAs are present here except two who are right now in their village, but they too are with us. pic.twitter.com/s0snX0yQNm

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

‘BJP made a joke of Indian constitution’: Congress addresses media on Maharashtra political developments

“Without any ‘band, baaja, baarat’, this incident has been scripted in black ink in the history of Maharashtra. Without any confirmation, a leader goes to the Governor with a list of signatures. I can sense that something is wrong somewhere. They have made a joke of the Indian Constitution,” Patel said

Oath-taking ceremony done in secrecy: Congress condemns BJP

Congress leader Ahmed Patel says the oath-taking ceremony took place in complete secrecy, which indicates “something is wrong here” while briefing the media in Mumbai.

Breaking: Congress to brief media shortly

3 NCP MLAs claim they were unknowingly taken to oath-taking ceremony

Three NCP MLAs claim that that they were unknowingly taken to Raj Bhawan for the oath-taking ceremony. “Before we could understand anything, oath ceremony was complete,” Rajendra Shingane, one of the three MLAs said at the Sena-NCP joint press conference. 

Two more NCP MLAs Sandip Kshirsagar and Sunil Bhusara also allege that they were unknowingly taken to the oath ceremony and that now they have come back and expressed support to Sharad Pawar. https://t.co/sLx19ngw2w pic.twitter.com/CechUAcQW4

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

‘Let them try and break Shiv Sena MLAs’: Uddhav Thackeray challenges BJP

“Let them try and break Shiv Sena MLAs. Maharashtra will not stay asleep,” Uddhav Thackeray told reporters during the joint press briefing with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

‘Never expected such behaviour’: Sharad Pawar in Mumbai

“I faced a similar situation in the 80s. Only six legislators were left with me. In the next election, I managed to ensure the defeat of all those who left me. We will form the government. We have the numbers to form the government. Not aware as to what happened. Till yesterday, we were together. We never expected such behaviour from our colleagues,” Sharad Pawar told reporters.

No decision on disciplinary action against Ajit Pawar yet: Sharad Pawar

“There is no decision yet on any action against Ajit Pawar yet. We will take a call after the meeting with all MLAs,” Sharad Pawar said.

Governor deceived by Ajit Pawar on support of MLAs

“The MLAs have the same story to share. All parties keep list of all the elected MLAs, their signature. Two such letters were taken by Ajit Pawar from office. It is likely that that letter was submitted by Ajit Pawar. If that has happened, the signatures of 54 MLA s was not for government formation. I am not sure if the Governor was deceived like that. I am confident that on the day the Governor will ask them to show majority on the floor of the house, they will not be able to do it,” Sharad Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar says only 10-11 MLAs may break away but risk defection

Sharad Pawar said that 10-11 MLAs have gone with Ajit Pawar but that number is not enough to escape anti-defection law. He claimed that the BJP will not be able to prove its majority in the Assembly. 

“I have also called a meeting of all MLAs at 4.30 pm. I don’t know whether all of them will come. I will see what to do after that meeting. But as of now, Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP stand together,” Pawar said.

10-11 NCP MLAs have gone with BJP, says Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar parades MLAs who went with Ajit to Governor’s house 

No NCP worker, MLA will support Ajit Pawar’s decision, says Sharad Pawar

“Ajit Pawar may have gone and supported the BJP but at ground level no party worker will agree to such a thing. The MLAs, who he claims have supported him, will also not agree to this. He will not be able to prove their support in the Assembly,” said Sharad Pawar.

BJP meeting in Mumbai at 2.30 pm

BJP leaders will also address the media at the party’s state office in Mumbai at 2.30 pm.

Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress had numbers to form government, says Sharad Pawar

“Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress together had support of over 170 MLAs which was enough to form the government. We also had the support of some Independent MLAs. But I suddenly learnt at 7 am today that Ajit Pawar has supported BJP,” Sharad Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray address joint presser at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai

Slogans raised in support of Sharad Pawar, against Ajit outside YB Chavan Centre

Slogans were raised outside YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai, where the NCP and Shiv Sena is scheduled to hold a joint presser, in support of Sharad Pawar and against his nephew Ajit Pawar.

Mumbai: Slogans raised in support of Sharad Pawar and against Ajit Pawar by a group of NCP workers outside YB Chavan Centre where Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena will address the media shortly. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/d8SdQhWVPO

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019

Where does each stakeholder stand in Maharashtra?

• Shiv Sena – The party seems to have lost the most, politically. They were all set to gain power after Mahayuti won elections, but in order to claim the chief minister’s post they ruined an existing alliance and failed to forge a new one. 
• Sharad Pawar’s NCP – The NCP founder claims he was backstabbed by his nephew who has unilaterally extended support to BJP, even as the party patriarch had committed to support the Shiv Sena and Congress.
• Ajit Pawar – As  the legislative party leader of NCP, he extended support to BJP at the last minute and claimed he has support of all 54 MLAs. However, media reports suggest that it is more likely that a break-away faction may side with him, because Sharad Pawar still holds influence over his party. Even if Pawar can get support of 36 MLAs, he is safe, otherwise anti-defection law will kick in and all those who support him will be disqualified from the Assembly. 
• BJP –  The party’s next challenge is to prove majority on the floor of the House. Party leader Girish Mahajan has claimed support of 170 MLAs. The party may be eyeing a breakup in NCP and a rebellion in Shiv Sena, media reports said.

‘Sena MLAs frustrated with Sanjay Raut’: Girish Mahajan

On Sena MP Sanjay Raut, Girish Mahajan said, “Verbal diarrhea will be the right phrase to use for him. Many Shiv Sena MLAs are frustrated with him and they may also think of going with us.”

Watch: Supriya Sule confirms split in NCP

Congress leader Sanjay Jha questions whether procedure was followed in revoking President’s Rule 

Congress leader Sanjay Jha questioned the revocation of President’s rule in Maharashtra. “At what time was the Union Cabinet meeting held that recommended revocation of President’s rule in Maharashtra???? Who all were present? Where are the minutes?” Sanjay Jha said.  

At what time was the Union Cabinet meeting held that recommended revocation of President’s rule in Maharashtra???? Who all were present? Where are the minutes?

— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) November 23, 2019

‘Signatures taken for MLAs’ attendance misused for oath’: Nawab Malik

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, “We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, it was misused as a basis for the oath. Ye dhoke se banayi gayi sarkar hai aur ye vidhan sabha ke floor pe haaregi, saare vidhayak hamare saath hain (this government which was formed by cheating will lose in the Assembly, all the MLAs are with us).”

Don’t know who to trust: Supriya Sule’s emotional status after Ajit Pawar supports BJP

Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule has put out an emotional status on whatsapp after her cousin Ajit sided with the BJP, apparently without consulting the party. 

This illegitimate formation will self destruct, says Ahmed Patel

Congress general secretary Ahmed Patel has said that the illegitimate tie up between NCP and BJP will not last. 

Illegal and evil manoeuvres take place in the secrecy of midnight

Such was the shame that they had to do the swearing in hiding

This illegitimate formation will self destruct

— Ahmed Patel Memorial (@ahmedpatel) November 23, 2019

Breaking: Congress cancels Surjewala’s 11.30 press briefing; party to comment after hearing Sharad Pawar’s side

Congress has cancelled a press briefing scheduled for 11.30 am. The party will comment on the Maharashtra situation after hearing out Sharad Pawar, who will address the media with Uddhav Thackeray at 12.30 pm.

Sharad Pawar calls all NCP MLA’s for meeting at 4.30 pm today

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has called all NCP MLA’s for meeting at 4.30 pm today at the YB Chavan Hall.

‘Betrayal of people’s mandate’, Congress on Maharashtra govt formation

The Congress hit out at Devendra Fadnavis being sworn-in as the Maharashtra chief minister on Saturday, saying it was a “betrayal of people’s mandate”. The month-long political impasse in Maharashtra ended dramatically on Saturday with the BJP’s Fadnavis returning as the chief minister, backed by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). ​NCP’s Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as the deputy chief minister.

Breaking: ‘Party and family split,’ Supriya Sule’s Whatsapp status confirms split within NCP

Sharad Pawar’s daughter and senior NCP leader Supriya Sule has confirmed that the Nationalist Congress Party has split from the middle in a political war that has not even left the dominant political family untouched. Sule has put up a story on Whatsapp which states: Party and family split.

Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar is said to have back stabbed his uncle to ally with the BJP. However, several reports also quote sources to state that Sharad Pawar was in fact kept in loop all along.

Chandrakant Patil says Sanjay Raut razed Sena to the ground

BJP’s Chandrakant Patil blamed Shiv Sena’s senior leader Sanjay Raut for the breakup of Mahayuti alliance. He said, “Voters had voted for BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and we got 161 MLAs, but Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate. Since the first press conference they had started talking about alternatives. Sanjay Raut should now at least keep silent. He has ruined Shiv Sena.”

Congress calls for emergency meeting in Mumbai, say reports

An urgent meeting has been called by Congress at the party office in Mumbai, ANI reported. Senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal will also attend the meet.

Breaking: Congress to address media at 11:30 am today

According to CNN-News18 reports, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala is going to address a press conference at 11.30 am. Party’s ally NCP will hold a joint presser with Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray.

Sharad Pawar not unaware of recent developments, claims report

News agency ANI quoted sources as saying that Ajit Pawar is the leader of Parliamentary board of NCP and no decision of NCP is taken without Sharad Pawar’s assent. CNN-News18 also said that NCP sources confirmed that the deal may have been secretive but Sharad Pawar was always kept in loop of all the developments. 

This comes after Sharad Pawar publically claimed that Ajit’s move was his personal decision and had nothing to do with NCP.

Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray to hold joint presser at 12.30 pm 

NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray will address a joint press conference at 12.30 pm today. The two party leaders have so far maintained that Ajit Pawar is alone in supporting BJP, while Sharad Pawar remains true to his word.

Meanwhile… 

Breaking:  NCP’s top leadership in huddle at Sharad Pawar’s residence

Senior NCP leaders including Chhagan Bhujbal, Praful Patel, Rohit Pawar were at Sharad Pawar’s Mumbai residence, Silver Oak. The meeting concluded quickly and the leaders have remained tight-lipped about the discussion.

Ajit Pawar says all NCP MLAs with me, even as Sharad Pawar distances NCP from his move

Ajit Pawar’s body language was suspicious last night, says Sanjay Raut

Sanjay Raut, coming down heavily on BJP and Ajit Pawar said, “Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar have got nothing to do with this. Sharad Pawar had no information. Ajit Pawar’s place is inside Arthur Road Jail and now he will be deputy CM. What happens in dead of night is evil.”

He also claimed that Ajit’s body language during last night’s meeting was also such that it roused suspicion. “He could not meet our eye,” Raut said.

Shiv Sena reacts to Maharashtra political developments, says Ajit pawar backstabbed people of Maharashtra

“I have no comments on what Ajit Pawar has said, but what he has done is for everyone to see. He has backstabbed people of Maharashtra and NCP chief Sharad Pawar. He has committed a sin” Sanjay Raut said. 

He also claimed that Sena is in constant touch with Sharad Pawar and the latter has no role to play in this murky deal.

Breaking: Ajit Pawar’s decision to support BJP his own, not of NCP, says Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said his nephew Ajit’s decision to support the BJP to form a government in Maharashtra was his “personal and not the NCP’s”.

Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his.

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 23, 2019

Sharad Pawar claims ignorance to Ajit Pawar’s move, says will hold a presser to clarify my stance

In another turn of event, Sharad Pawar has claimed that he did not know about Ajit Pawar’s move until 7 am in the morning today. He refused to comment any further on the issue and said he will hold a press conference later.

President’s Rule revoked in state at 5.47 am, hours before Devendra Fadnavis took oath as CM

News agency PTI has reported that the President’s Rule was revoked in the state of Maharashtra at 5.47 am on Saturday morning. Visuals of Devendra Fadnavis taking oath were aired by various TV channels only after 8.15 am.

Pawar ji tussi great ho: Congress’ Abhishek Manu Singhvi reacts to political turnaround in Maharashtra

Surreal wht I read abt #Maharashtra. Thought it was fake news. Candidly &personally speaking, our tripartite negotiations shd not have gone on for more than 3 days...took too long. Window given was grabbed by fast movers. #pawarji tussi grt ho! Amazing if true, still not sure

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) November 23, 2019

Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut’s acerbic tweet turns ironic

It seems like irony had the last laugh in the murky politics of Maharashtra. Sanjay Raut tweeted, “Whoever is mocked the most, has the last laugh” at around 7 in the morning. By 8.15 am, the subject and the object of his acerbic tweet had swapped places. It was the BJP which had pulled an apparent coup of sorts and formed the government with the very party, that the Sena had been flirting with, ever since the Maharashtra result was out.

pic.twitter.com/glXFeOWUmQ

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) November 23, 2019

Maharashtra govt formation: Determined to provide strong government, says Fadnavis

“I am happy to have been given another chance to serve as the chief minister of Maharashtra. The people of Maharashtra had given a very clear mandate but the Shiv Sena, which fought the elections alongside us, rejected people’s mandate. The state needs a strong government and we are determined to give them that. The President’s rule should end now,” Fadnavis told reporters after the oath-taking ceremony.

Amit Shah congratulates Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar on govt formation 

श्री @Dev_Fadnavis जी को महाराष्ट्र के मुख्यमंत्री और श्री @AjitPawarSpeaks को प्रदेश के उपमुख्यमंत्री के रूप में शपथ लेने पर हार्दिक बधाई।

मुझे विश्वास है कि यह सरकार महाराष्ट्र के विकास और कल्याण के प्रति निरंतर कटिबद्ध रहेगी और प्रदेश में प्रगति के नये मापदंड स्थापित करेगी।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 23, 2019

Clue to Maharshtra govt formation mystery in Narendra Modi’s tweet

The surprise move by BJP and NCP shocked everyone as the two parties pulled an overnight coup of sorts. Some news channels were speculating that Uddhav Thackeray will go on to become the first member of his family to become the chief minister, but sudden visuals of Devendra Fadnavis taking oath turned around the story. 

Meanwhile, people were also busy speculating whether NCP chief Sharad Pawar was in the know of the things, who until last night was claiming that Uddhav Thackeray will be the CM. However, a clue to this mystery lies in  Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet who thanked Sharad Pawar for supporting the BJP to form the government.

Devendra Fadnavis says Sena defied people’s mandate; thanks NCP for support

“People of the state gave us mandate but Shiv Sena, after the results, tried to ally with other parties. The state of Maharashtra wanted a stable govt and I would like to thank Sharad pawar ji that in order to give state a stable govt we came together and formed the government,” Fadnavis told reporters after swearing-in.

Narendra Modi congratulates Devendra Fadnavis, minutes after swearing-in

Congratulations to @Dev_Fadnavis Ji and @AjitPawarSpeaks Ji on taking oath as the CM and Deputy CM of Maharashtra respectively. I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2019

NCP-Congress came together as Maharashtra needed stable govt: Ajit Pawar

Breaking: Ajit Pawar sworn in as deputy CM of Maharashtra

Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party is now officially in alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. The surprising development came after NCP chief, only last night, claimed that Uddhav Thackeray will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra.

Devendra Fadnavis trumps Sena-Congress-NCP; takes oath as CM in surprise move 

Devendra Fadnavis has taken oath as the Maharashtra chief minister in a surprise move. This comes after what was dubbed the Maha vikas agadhi alliance appeared poised to form government up until late last night.

Confusion thickens in Maharashtra as ANI claims Devendra Fadnavis to take oath as CM

Koshyari cancels Delhi meet over Maharashtra political situation

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who was supposed to go to Delhi for the Governors’ Conference, has decided to stay back in Mumbai in view of the political developments in the state.

Congress-NCP-Sena to jointly brief the media today

Power sharing deal finalised? Sources say Sena will get 16 ministerial berths, NCP 14, Congress 12

Quoting sources, India Today reported that all the three alliance parties — Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP — agreed to Shiv Sena getting 16 ministerial berths, NCP 14 and Congress 12. Other details like Speaker, deputy Speaker, important corporations are being discussed. That has been left for state leaders to decide, the report added.

Consensus on many things, but  we don’t want to leave anything undecided: Uddhav after meeting

India Today TV quoted Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who spoke briefly to reporters after the decisive Sena-Congress-NCP meeting concluded on Friday, and said, “We have come to a conclusion on many things, but we don’t want to leave anything undecided. The first time we have come together like this and we want unity on everything between us and then we will come to you. We will not go before the janta without sorting out all our issues. Everything will be dealt with. It was the first meeting between all the three parties. Finishing touches are being given to the alliance. I don’t want any issue to be left discussed between three parties before going public.”

However, Congress and NCP have also said that the Maha-agadhi alliance parties will most likely approach Governor Koshyari tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in Maharashtra.

Sena, NCP, Congress leaders to meet Governor tomorrow

Reports have said that the three alliance parties will meet the Governor today. However, considering the back-and-forth that the three parties are doing, saying anything would be speculative. 

Minutes after the “decisive” meeting between the Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena concluded and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar asserted that there was consensus over Uddhav as the next Maharashtra chief minister, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that the talks were inconclusive and “discussions will continue tomorrow.” Patel’s comments are in line with Uddhav who said that while the three alliance parties came to a conclusion on many things, “we don’t want to leave anything undecided.”

We’ve asked Uddhav Thackerya to be CM, he has not denied role: NCP
 

Seems like it is back to square one for Maharashtra government formation. After NCP chief Sharad Pawar saying that Uddhav was the “unanimous” chief minister’s choice among the newly-formed allies Congress-NCP-Sena, leaders of all the three parties have given vague and unclear statements to the press. While Congress’ Ahmed Patel and Prithviraj Chavan said that the talks will continue tomorrow, as today’s meeting was “inconclusive”, NCP’s Nawab Malik said,

“We have asked Uddhav Thackeray to be the chief minister. So far, he has not denied the role. If he takes responsibility, it will be good for the state government. If he denies or suggests someone else’s name, we have to accept it. Everything will be decided tomorrow and announced in the joint press conference.”

Shiv Sena’s exit triggers unease among NDA allies

Political analysts perceive an undercurrent of discontent amid NDA allies following BJP’s less than stellar performance in Haryana and Maharashtra polls. While the BJP, allegedly continues its patronising attitude towards smaller party, the allies have become more demanding sensing the party is not invincible as far as regional polls go. 

“The NDA is shaky,” SAD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral told The Indian Express . “The allies are being neglected. We are being humiliated. NDA is not in good shape, because they have the full majority and do not care about allies. In its search for new allies, the BJP is ignoring and sidelining older allies.” 

Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti party also has decided to go it alone in Jharkhand election when BJP failed to honour its demands, while the saffron party’s alliance with another Jharkhand party, AJSU is also facing trouble as the latter has fielded candidates in seats contested by the BJP citing an unequal quota in alliance. The two parties are calling it a “friendly contest” but the signs of discords are quite clear.

Pawar confirms Uddhav for CM, but others insist ’no conclusion reached’

When NCP chief, and arguably the architect of a non-BJP alliance in Maharashtra, confirmed that the new government will be led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, people thought it is the end of the guessing game in the state reeling under agrarian crisis. 

However, the suspense continues as Sena leaders said that nothing was conclusive. “=Asked about Pawar’s statement on Thackeray’s leadership, Sena MLA Eknath Shinde, who attended the meeting, separately told reporters there was “no discussion on that issue”.​ Shinde, who was elected as the leader of the Sena’s legislative wing last month, is seen as one of the contenders for the chief minister’s post.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel also insisted that the talks on government formation are inconclusive and will continue on Saturday as well.