Maharashtra: NCP’s Ajit Pawar Joins as Deputy CM in New Shinde-Fadnavis-Pawar Govt, 8 Others Inducted

MUMBAI: In an upheaval that has shocked political circles in Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took oath as a Deputy Chief Minister at the Raj Bhavan today.

Ajit Pawar will be the second Deputy CM, while Devendra Fadnavis will continue as the first Deputy CM.

Another eight NCP leaders, including Dilip Walse-Patil, the close confidante of Sharad Pawar, were also given ministerial berths in the newly formed Shinde-Fadnavis-Pawar Government in Maharashtra.

However, a top NCP leader from Sharad Pawar’s camp informed that Ajit Pawar did not enjoy the support of Sharad Pawar.

With the swearing-in of Ajit Pawar and his colleagues, it means that the Raj Bhavan of Maharashtra has seen four oath-taking ceremonies in as many years.

It is significant to mention here that elections to the 288-member State Assembly are due to be held next year.

The latest political development occurred almost a year since a revolt led by Eknath Shinde against the then undivided Shiv Sena unseated the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government that ruled the state in that time.

After his swearing in as second Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar said, “Today, we have made the decision to extend our support to the Shinde-Fadnavis government and have taken the oath as ministers.”

He also disclosed that the allocation of portfolios is going to be discussed and decided upon at a later stage. “Taking into account various factors at the national level, we firmly believe that it is crucial to lend our support for the sake of development and progress,” Pawar added.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar went on to say that just as they were aligned with the Congress and with Shiv Sena (UBT) previously for some time, “Now we will align ourselves with BJP.”

Chhagan Bhujbal, after being sworn in as Minister in Shinde-Fadnavis-Pawar government, said that they have joined the government as the third party. He refuted claims of having divided the party.

“We are here as the NCP, united in our purpose. While we have voiced criticisms against the Modi government on various occasions, it is undeniable that the safety and security of our nation are entrusted in his leadership,” explained NCP leader and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal.

NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase however struck a discordant note when he said on Sunday that the oath taken by nine NCP MLAs as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government did not enjoy official support of the party.

Tapase said in a video message that NCP’s party workers, district president, taluka president, youth and women are siding with the party’s national leader Sharad Pawar.

“The oath-taking ceremony in Maharashtra was part of Operation Lotus and it has no official support of NCP. Those who took oath, it is their personal decision and not that of the NCP,” he said.

However, Ajit Pawar claimed to joined the government as NCP and said they will contest all forthcoming elections on NCP name and symbol.

Also Read: Manipur: Chidambaram Takes On Himanta, Asks Him Not To ‘Poke His Nose' Into Conflict

Also Watch: