This is Maharashtra not Goa, where you can form government without majority: Sharad Pawar
Nearly 162 MLAs of the three-party combine took oath at joint ''parade'' not to fall prey to any inducements by BJP ahead of Supreme Court ruling. Vehicles carrying Shiv Sena, NCP MLAs arrived at Mumbai's Grand Hyatt hotel. Sharad Pawar along with daughter Supriya Sule around an hour ago. Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut today invited Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai, where he said the three-party combine will showcase their show of strength.
"We are all one and together, watch our 162 together for the first time at grand Hyatt at 7 pm. Come and watch yourself," he tweeted.
The Devendra Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar duo took charge in Maharashtra today and won another day to rally numbers as the Supreme Court, after an 80-minute hearing, said it would declare its decision tomorrow on a petition challenging the surprise government formation by the BJP on Saturday morning. The centre argued that Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari invited Devendra Fadnavis to form government in Maharashtra based on a letter showing the support of 170 MLAs, including all 54 of Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). On the other hand, the rival group of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress submitted documents claiming the support of 154 MLAs and called for an "immediate" test of strength in the Maharashtra assembly.
Here are the Highlights on Maharashtra government formation:
Sure we are all in this together to support a sufficient number of people to achieve this resolution: Sharad Pawar
A truthful majority has to the mandate of the constitution and the people: Aaditya Thackeray
Given a letter showing the support of SP for Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance: Abu Azmi
Majority in Assembly can't be proved by such parades: BJP MLA Ashish Shelar in Maharashtra
Jayant Patil in Maharashtra says Confident all 162 MLAs will vote against the present government
I am confident that in the floor test, all these 162 MLAs will vote against the present government of Maharashtra. Then, a new government will be formed says NCP leader Jayant Patil
I will be honest to my party: Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress MLAs take oath in Maharashtra
Maharashtra government: Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress MLAs take oath at joint ''parade''A pledge on behalf of all MLAs of the NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress was read out by NCP leader Jitendra Awhad.
"I will be honest to my party.. will not get lured by anything. I will not do anything that will benefit the BJP. I will not get involved into any anti-party activities."
Ajit thought NCP MLAs would leave: Sharad Pawar- Those in the Centre have formed government in many states. BJP has shown how power is misused. Of a house of 288, 162 are present here. Many others have also supported us but we have not yet taken it on paper so we won't disclose their names now.
- Maharashtra is nor Goa
- We are ready to move forward, will teach them a lesson
- The day SC will order for floor test, we are prepared for it
- Ajit Pawar's decision his own, Ajit didn't have power to make decisions
- Ajit thought NCP MLAs would leave
- I welcome everyone here
We live by Satyameva Jayate: Uddhav Thackeray over Maharashtra government formation
We live by Satyameva Jayate. We are friends, strong and I dare anyone to break our party. If you try and break party wait and watch, This is Chhatrapati Shivaji's Maharashtra, The more you try to break us, the more we will unite: Uddhav Thackeray
NCP leader Jitendra Awhad addresses MLAs
Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Ashok Chavan arrive at the hotel
Shiv Sena MLAs arrive at Grand Hyatt
Sena-NCP-Cong to ''parade'' 162 MLAs in Mumbai hotelLocked in a protracted power tussle with the BJP in Maharashtra, the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress has decided to "parade" 162 MLAs in a Mumbai five-star hotel this evening in a show of united strength.
The move was announced hours after the leaders of the three parties submitted a letter to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari claiming that they have the requisite numbers to form government.
Devendra Fadnavis at the Climate Resilience Improvement and flood & drought Management Program meeting
Maharahtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sanctions Rs 5380 crore
Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule at Grand Hyatt
This is a blot on democracy: Congress slams BJP over closure of irrigation cases in Maharashtra
ACB closes irrigation cases, says not related to Ajit PawarThe Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) said it has closed probe into alleged irregularities in nine irrigation projects in Maharashtra, adding none of these cases was linked to deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
Not threatening any MLA: BJP Leader Raosaheb Patil Danve
We are all one and together: Sanjay Raut
Wrong to say I am behind Ajit Pawar's revolt: Sharad PawarNCP chief Sharad Pawar says he was not behind Ajit Pawar's decision to align with the BJP and become the deputy chief minister, and asserted that his party along with Congress and Shiv Sena will form the next government in Maharashtra.
"It is not the party's decision and we do not endorse it," Mr Pawar said.
Anil Patil, NCP MLA who was reportedly missing & brought to Mumbai from Delhi by NCP leaders today: When we reached the hotel (in Delhi) at least 100-200 BJP workers were present there along with a lot of police cars and personnel in civil dress, we were scared.
Shiv Sena MLAs have been brought to Hotel Lemon Tree, from Lalit Hotel where they were earlier lodged.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: BJP-Shiv Sena got mandate to form the govt with Devendra Fadnavis as CM. It's the Congress that is murdering democracy and questioning us on the same. BJP's win in state is both moral and political victory, which Congress is trying to hijack.
Ajit Pawar takes to Twitter to pay his homage to the first chief minister of Maharashtra.
Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena: "We've given the letter of support of 162 MLAs to Guv. In a democracy, only the majority number holds importance. We want that the minority govt formed on 23rd Nov, should resign as they can't prove the majority. Those with the majority should be given the opportunity."
We are confident that the people and democracy will win in Maharashtra. We are confident of defeating Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar in the floor test. We are confident that this process (of the floor test) will begin tomorrow, says Randeep Surjewala.
Political developments in MaharashtraHere are the latest political developments in Maharashtra
11.34 am: The Centre tells the Supreme Court that BJP has the support of all 54 NCP MLAs to form a government in Maharashtra. It asks the apex court for two to three days to file a reply to the plea against the governor''s decision to invite Devendra Fadnavis to become chief minister.
11:23 am: NCP chief Sharad Pawar asserts that his party along with the Congress and Shiv Sena will form government in Maharashtra.
11.15 am: Congress president Sonia Gandhi, other party leaders hold a protest in Parliament premises against the BJP''s move to form a government in Maharashtra along with the NCP.
10.46 am: The Supreme Court commences hearing on a plea filed by the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine against the Maharashtra governor's decision to swear in Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister.
10:44 am: Amid the high political drama in Maharashtra and fear of ''poaching'' of MLAs, the NCP has shifted its legislators from a five-star resort to two other hotels in Mumbai.
10:24 am: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said leaders of his party and the NCP and Congress will meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday to present their side for government formation in the state.
9:45 am: The Congress parliamentary strategy group meets at party chief Sonia Gandhi's residence in Delhi in the backdrop of the Maharashtra political situation.
Congress likely to raise the issue of Devendra Fadnavis'' swearing-in along with Ajit Pawar in both houses of Parliament.
9:40 am: The Shiv Sena hits out at BJP, says those who did not respect their 25-year-long friendship with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will one day dump NCP leader Ajit Pawar as well.
9:09 am: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accuses the BJP of disregarding the Constitution in Maharashtra and repeating the "game" it played in Karnataka.
Maharashtra: Jayant Patil says, This morning on behalf of NCP, I gave a letter to the Governor
Jayant Patil says, "This morning at 10am, Eknath Shinde, Balasaheb Thorat, Ashok Chavan, Vinayak Raut ji, Azmi, KC Padvi and I - on behalf of the NCP, gave a letter to the Governor showing the strength of 162 MLAs."
Supreme Court reserves order Supreme Court order on Maharashtra claims at 10:30 am tomorrow.
Mukul Rohatgi: The Speaker is yet to be chosen, the house is to be convened but they want the Supreme Court to preempt everything. The Governor has given 14 days (since November 23) but it isn't 14 months. Should this court now substitute the Governor's views with its own?
Maharashtra News: Both sides agree that the floor test is ultimate, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Both sides agree that the floor test is ultimate, BJP does not want it quickly: Abhishek Manu Singhvi to Supreme Court.
Maharashtra: Top Court asks Abhishek Manu Singhvi to withdraw fresh pleaSupreme Court asks Abhishek Manu Singhvi to withdraw fresh plea with affidavits of 154 Maharashtra MLAs supporting combine as it has not been supplied to BJP.
If BJP has a majority, why is it worried? I am happy to lose on the floor of Maharashtra Assembly: Abhishek Manu Singhvi to Supreme Court, seeking immediate floor test.
It's a fraud of worst kind, did a single NCP MLA tell Ajit Pawar that he supported him to go with BJP: NCP to Supreme Court.
Maharashtra: When both the groups are open for Floor Test, why delay?, says Abhishek Manu SinghviAbhishek Manu Singhvi representing NCP and Congress: When both the groups are open for Floor Test, why should there be a delay? Does a single NCP MLA here say we will join the BJP alliance? Is there a single covering letter saying this. This was the fraud committed on democracy.
Maharashtra News: Kapil Sibal calls for immediate floor test Kapil Sibal wants to place the affidavit on record and is seeking immediate floor test -- within 24 hours. He is also seeking the senior most member of the House as the pro-tem speaker and video stream of the floor test, among other demands.
Maharashtra: Have affidavits of 154 MLAs supporting the Sena alliance, says Kapil SibalKapil Sibal: Pre-poll alliance fell out since promises made before elections were not honoured and there were ideological differences too. Mr Sibal says he has affidavits of 154 MLAs supporting the Sena alliance.
Maharashtra News: Can't governor wait for 24 hours, says Kapil Sibal Kapil Sibal: Why did these things happen between 7 PM and 5.47 am. Can't Governor wait for 24 hours. On November 22 it was announced Uddhav Thackeray will be the chief minister
Letter by Congress-NCP -Shiv Sena given at Raj Bhawan staking claim to form government, saying that the present govt doesn't have the numbers.
Maharashtra News: NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena petition in Top Court
NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena petition in Supreme Court: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for Maharashtra Governor, says - Grant us 2-3 days' time and let us file a reply. The Governor has in absolute discretion invited the largest party on November 23.
Maharashtra government: Does the chief minister enjoy majority in the House?, says Justice KhannaJustice Khanna: The question today is does the chief minister enjoy majority in the House? Mukul Rohatgi: Their attack on Governor was unfounded.
Mukul Rohatgi: Question is - Is there substance in the main matter for the Court to pass interim orders? My submission is that there is no substance.
Mukul Rohatgi: The procedure of the Assembly is Protem Speaker will be appointed, he will administer oath to the MLAs, they will then elect a speaker and then the floor test will be conducted.
Tushar Mehta adds, can one party say that "we have somehow managed the flock together and if the floor test doesn't take place in 24 hours, they'll go away?"
Maharashtra: "How could Governor act like this", says Mukul Rohatgi
Mukul Rohatgi: Yesterday we heard a chorus - "How could Governor act like this" Governor acted correctly. The signatures (of NCP MLAs) were there in the letter. Governor acted reasonably because he acted on the material placed before him. Mukul Rohatgi (Arguing for Fadnavis): I met Ajit Pawar, his letter had an enclosure of list of names of NCP MLAs supporting me. Mukul Rohatgi submits that through the weekend some of the MLAs went with Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis and now these MLAs are extending support to Sharad Pawar.
Solicitor General says the letter by Devendra Fadnavis says I had earlier said I can't form government. Now Ajit Pawar expresses his support by NCP MLAs. Now the total goes to 159 and with independents, strength goes to 170.
No party has till date gone to the Governor: Tushar MehtaTushar Mehta argues that no party has till date gone to the Governor saying it can form the government. He produces the letter dated November 22 by Ajit Pawar to Governor Koshyari that contains signatures of 54 NCP MLAs.
Solicitor General: 31 October independents gave support letters, 22 November letter by Ajit Pawar. Legislative party leader Ajit Pawar contains signatures of 54 MLAs This is what the Governor received.
Solicitor General says he appears for the secretary to Governor - original copies of letters handed over to judges. BJP writing letter to Governor annexing names of 105 MLAs and signs of supports of independence and support letter by Ajit Pawar.
Maharashtra: Solicitor General says he has original copies of lettersSolicitor General says he has original copies of letters but before that some facts. He talks about facts about the declaration of results etc. Governor knows the prepoll alliance of BJP and Sena. He talks about the seats won by parties
Hearing Begins Supreme Court hearing in Maharashtra government formation case begins as judges have assembled.
The 3-judge bench will continue the hearing today on the writ petition filed by the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress against the decision of the Maharashtra Governor to invite BJP to form the government.
Leaders of Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena arrive at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis must realise that he does not have a majority, says Nawab Malik
NCP leader Nawab Malik said," Devendra Fadnavis must realise that he does not have a majority. He should realise that he has made a mistake. If he doesn't resign, we will certainly defeat the government on the floor of the House."
Maharashtra News: Anil Desai arrives at the Supreme Court ahead of hearingShiv Sena leader Anil Desai arrives at the Supreme Court; Supreme Court to continue to hear today the petition jointly filed by the NCP-Congress and Shiv Sena against the formation of BJP-led government in Maharashtra
Maharashtra: 4 MLAs "Rescued", Claims Sharad Pawar Party
Four MLAs of Sharad Pawar's party, who had gone incommunicado since Saturday after his nephew Ajit Pawar took oath as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, have returned to the NCP fold, the party said. 53 of the NCP's 54 MLAs are back in touch, the party claimed. Some of the "rebel" MLAs were flown to Delhi allegedly by the BJP on Saturday, according to a passenger manifest. Three MLAs - Daulat Daroda, Anil Patil and Nitin Pawar - were "rescued" from Gurgaon by the youth wing of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and flown back to Mumbai.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today accused the BJP of disregarding the Constitution in Maharashtra and repeating the "game" it played in Karnataka. The Congress had accused the BJP of poaching MLAs to form the government in Karnataka earlier this year. "Have we reached the stage of open kidnapping of the mandate?" Priyanka Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.
Devendra Fadnavis: NCP leader reaches Ajit Pawar's residenceNationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal reaches Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's residence to talk to him.
NCP MLAs Anil Patil and Daulat Daroda at Hotel Hyatt where other MLAs of the party are lodged in.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut tweeted saying, "History is past politics and politics is present history."
Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis Ajit Pawar hold late night discussion
NCP leader Ajit Pawar's late-night dash to BJP's Devendra Fadnavis's house in Mumbai on Sunday led to speculation about another pincer movement by the BJP against the newly-formed Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP combine. However, a tweet by the office of Devendra Fadnavis, who took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a second term in a surprise ceremony just after sunrise on Saturday, put the speculation to rest. The late-night meeting with his deputy Ajit Pawar was not about government formation, according to the tweet. "CM Devendra Fadnavis and DCM Ajit Pawar today met and discussed on various measures for additional support and assistance to unseasonal rain affected farmers. Tomorrow it will be further discussed with the Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary," Mr Fadnavis' office tweeted.
Maharashtra News: NCP files Its MLAs from Gurugram to MumbaiNCP MLAs who were staying at Gurugram hotel are being brought to Mumbai. In this picture Anil Patil (3rd from right in the picture, in yellow shirt) and Daulat Daroda (5th from right in the picture, in yellow shirt), who were reportedly missing.
Maharashtra: 52 NCP MLAs have come back to us, says Nawab Malik
Nationalist Congress Party leader Nawab Malik said: 52 MLAs of the party have come back to us, one more is in touch with us.
NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said,"We are here (Hyatt Hotel) to meet our party MLAs. Only one or two of our party MLAs are not here."
Maharashtra News: We will be successful, says Mr MalikNationalist Congress Party chief spokesperson Nawab Malik tweeted this morning to assert confidence in the NCP camp as the Supreme Court to decide Maharashtra floor test shortly. "We will be successful," says Mr Malik.
Maharashtra chief minister: Ajit Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis Meet
Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday met BJP's Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai, hours after he went on a tweeting overdrive, ending with some cryptic ones that indicated that party chief Sharad Pawar was on board with the plan to support the BJP for government formation in Maharashtra. An immediate denial came from Pawar Senior, who called Ajit Pawar's statement "false and misleading in order to create confusion".
Three parties approached the top courtThe three parties approached the top court after the BJP, in an unexpected twist, captured power in Maharashtra in an overnight coup. President's Rule in the state was called off at 5.47 am and the oath ceremony, attended by few, followed within two hours.But at a press conference later, some of the NCP MLAs who attended the oath ceremony, claimed they ended up at the Governor's residence by a ruse from Ajit Pawar.
The Centre must produce the letters of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claiming majority and that of the Governor inviting to form the government, the Supreme Court said on Sunday after hearing a petition of the Shiv Sena, Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP against Saturday's extraordinary government formation in the state. The letters have to be submitted by 10.30 am today. In an extraordinary hearing on a Sunday, a three-judge bench also issued a notice to Mr Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar, the state and the Central government.
Decision on Maharashtra Floor Test Today A three-judge bench of Justices NV Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna said the Centre must produce the two letters by 10.30 am tomorrow. The Sena, Congress and the NCP have said the Governor was "duty bound" to study the claim of Devendra Fadnavis before inviting him to form government. They also claimed that the BJP claim of having support of 54 NCP MLAs is wrong.