LIVE Updates | 'Credit Modi For Ajit's Move; In Touch With Rebels': Sharad Pawar

 The recent developments regarding Ajit Pawar's alliance with the BJP and his appointment as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra have elicited a response from NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. He has acknowledged that over 30 MLAs are supporting Ajit Pawar, with nine of them being inducted as ministers in the cabinet.

Sharad Pawar expressed his surprise at the split within the NCP and mentioned that a meeting scheduled for July 6 was supposed to address some questions, but certain party members took a different stand before the meeting could take place.

It remains uncertain whether there will be two deputy chief ministers in the state, as BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis already holds the position.

Ajit Pawar, in his media address, cited the development and progress of Maharashtra, the allocation of central funds, and the satisfaction of the state's people as reasons behind his decision to join the government. He emphasized that he and the NCP would continue to participate in elections using the party's name and symbol.

The exact number of NCP MLAs supporting Ajit Pawar is yet to be determined, but sources suggest that more than 30 out of the 54 party MLAs in Maharashtra are backing him.

Several prominent names, including Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, and Hassan Mushrif, known as loyalists of Sharad Pawar, have joined hands with the BJP and been inducted as ministers.

This move comes after a gathering of MLAs at Ajit Pawar's residence earlier on the same day.

These developments follow the recent appointments of Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as NCP working presidents, as well as Sharad Pawar's withdrawal of his resignation as party chief.

The alliance between Ajit Pawar and the BJP represents a setback for Sharad Pawar and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra.

In response to the situation, Sharad Pawar has called for a meeting of party workers on July 5 and plans to address a gathering in Karad, travel across the state and the country, and seek the support of opposition parties.

Sharad Pawar mentioned that Ajit Pawar has resigned as the Leader of Opposition, and discussions will take place to appoint a replacement. This appointment can come from any of the three parties, including Congress or Shiv Sena.

Sharad Pawar assured that action would be taken against all the nine people who took the oath as ministers.

He also revealed that some MLAs had informed him that they were misled into giving their signatures in support of the government, and they plan to meet him in the coming days.

Sharad Pawar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the developments, stating that the move was made due to the unrest among leaders facing cases.

He emphasized the need for unity within the MVA and opposition parties at the national level.

While he expressed his disappointment with certain individuals going against the party president's decision, he stated that he would take the fight to the people and remain confident in their support.

Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, commented on Ajit Pawar's inclusion in the cabinet, stating that he had previously received secondary treatment within the MVA. He welcomed Ajit Pawar and commended his belief in development and administration.

Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole responded by stating that they would wait and watch the situation, likening the BJP's actions to Operation Lotus, a reference to the political maneuvering in other states.

In conclusion, the ongoing developments in Maharashtra politics, particularly the alliance between Ajit Pawar and the BJP, have created a significant political shift. Sharad Pawar's response highlights the challenges faced by the NCP and the MVA, as well as their efforts to address the situation and maintain unity within the party and the coalition.