Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister for a second time at Raj Bhavan.
The Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP have moved the Supreme Court after the BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister for a second time at Raj Bhavan this morning with a deputy, Ajit Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had announced a pact with Shiv Sena along with the Congress. The petition will be heard at 11:30 am tomorrow.
"We are absolutely certain that the BJP-led government which is sworn in today does not have the numbers to pass a floor test. We completely back the Shiv Sena and want a government under Uddhav Thackeray," said NCP chief Sharad Pawar, in a joint press briefing with Uddhav Thackeray. Mr Pawar said some MLAs of his party cheated into attending the early morning oath ceremony and paraded three MLAs who were at the oath ceremony.
According to reports, 50 of the 54 MLAs attended a meet called by Sharad Pawar at party headquarters, indicating that the party chief was right.
The Congress, which had been in talks with the Sena and NCP to form government in Maharashtra, said the BJP has "betrayed" the people of Maharashtra.
The BJP, meanwhile, claimed that it had the "electoral and moral" mandate to form a government in Maharashtra and brushed aside the criticism of its alliance with Ajit Pawar, who was accused by the party in the past of corruption, saying the tie-up was guided by the "given situation". BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress-NCP and the Shiv Sena, saying those who were "dead opposed" to each other joined hands to "grab" power, while the saffron party and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had won the popular mandate to form government.
President's rule was revoked at 5.47 am to facilitate the sudden oath ceremony. According to a Home Ministry notification, President Ram Nath Kovind issued the proclamation for revocation of the central rule early this morning. After taking oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: "People had given us a clear mandate, but Shiv Sena tried to ally with other parties after results, as a result, President's rule was imposed. Maharashtra needed a stable govt, not a 'khichdi' government." Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar on taking oath as chief minister and deputy chief minister of Maharashtra respectively. "I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra," PM Modi said.
Here are the LIVE UPDATES on Maharashtra government formation:
"We went to registry now its gonna be the court taking the decision and you will know tomorrow when the case comes up. I want to say that I am thankful that the Supreme Court accepted our registry and have also agreed to hear the case tomorrow even though its a holiday today and tomorrow," Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
The Supreme Court will hear at 11.30 am tomorrow the joint plea of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form the government today.
"Devendra Fadnavis has mislead the Maharashtra Governor. He must resign. NCP has the numbers, only 4-5 NCP MLAs are not in touch with the party. Ajit Pawar should return to his home (NCP)," Congress leader Ashok Chavan said.
Shiv Sena-Cong-NCP will form government in Maha: NCP leader Nawab Malik
The BJP-led new government in Maharashtra will be defeated in the Assembly Speaker's election, NCP leader Nawab Malik said. "The government has been given time till November 30. We will defeat them in the Speaker's election. We are sure the Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP will form the government," Mr Malik said, adding the NCP MLAs will stay in Mumbai.
NCP takes stock; 1 leader returns, 5 missing
NCP chief Sharad Pawar called a meeting of his lawmakers to take stock of how many had switched loyalties. Dhananjay Munde, a senior NCP leader who was believed to be among the defectors along with Ajit Pawar, made a dramatic entry into the meeting held at the YB Chavan centre in Mumbai, the NCP headquarters.
The NCP said four MLAs, including Ajit Pawar, were now missing. Sources said the meet was being attended by 50 MLAs and that Ajit Pawar and three other MLAs are expected to come for the meeting. Two lawmakers had returned in the morning.
Some of the "rebel" MLAs were being flown to Delhi by the BJP, according to a passenger manifest. Some reports said nine have been taken to Delhi -- Daulat Daroda, Narhari Zirwar, Sunil Bhusara, Dilip Bankar, Anil Patil, Nitin Pawar, Sunil Shelke, Babasaheb Patil and Sanjay Banson.
Some MLAs even went to the Mumbai airport to bring them around but returned without them.
Later, reports said Shiv Sena MLAs brought back one more NCP member to the YB Chavan centre.
Prakash Ambedkar links Sharad Pawar-PM meet to BJP coup in Maharashtra
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar has sought to link the political developments in the state with Sharad Pawar's recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.
"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)," Mr Ambedkar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Sharad Pawar had on November 20 met the prime minister in Parliament to discuss farmers' distress in Maharashtra, two days after the PM praised the NCP for maintaining discipline on floor. His meeting happened at a time when the Congress and the NCP stepped up momentum on forming a government in collaboration with the Shiv Sena.
Mr Ambedkar said he was not surprised over the turn of political events.
"I had already said that the Shiv Sena should not become a parrot. It is necessary to remain vigilant in politics," he said.
Maharashtra Politics Won't Affect Alliance In Kerala: NCP Leader
Kerala transport minister AK Saseendran on Saturday said that the political developments in Maharashtra will not affect the NCP alliance with the Left in the state.
NCP leader and Kerala Minister AK Saseendran who is on an official visit to Dubai said, "Kerala unit of NCP will never support anyone who joins hand with the BJP. The state unit of NCP will follow the official party line and disciplinary action should be taken against those who align with BJP."
"The political developments in Maharashtra will not affect NCP alliance with Left in the state. The alliance with the Left will remain intact in Kerala" he added. NCP is an alliance partner of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala.
LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan said that the NCP Kerala unit will never endorse any move to support the BJP. "Development in Maharashtra was unexpected. NCP Kerala unit will stay with the Left alliance," he said.Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar assured disciplinary action against his nephew and NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
The Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP have approached the Supreme Court after the BJP suddenly announced it would form government and installed Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister the NCP's Ajit Pawar as his deputy.
The Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press conference this evening said "23rd November will be a black chapter in the history of India when an illegitimate government was constituted by the Governor acting as a hitman on the Constitution of India at the instance of the Home Minister".
Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray leaves from Mumbai's Lalit Hotel after meeting party MLAs.
Dhananjay Munde, a senior NCP leader who was believed to have defected along with Ajit Pawar, made a dramatic entry into the "headcount" meeting at the NCP headquarters in Mumbai, the YB Chavan centre.
The NCP said six MLAs, including Ajit Pawar, were now missing but expressed confidence they would all return. Two more had returned in the morning.
Five of those MLAs were being flown to Delhi, according to a passenger manifest. Some MLAs even went to the Mumbai airport to bring them around but returned without them.
"My faith is on Sharad Pawar," tweets NCP MLA accused of defection
NCP MLA Diliprao Bankar tweets, "My faith is on Sharad Pawar, I am with NCP only. I went to Raj Bhavan when Ajit Pawar asked me to go with him".
"Chori Chhipe Sarkar": AAP On BJP Move In Maharashtra
The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday termed the government formation in Maharashtra "undemocratic" and said it has "disrespected" the mandate of the state''s people.
The month-long political impasse in Maharashtra ended dramatically earlier in the day with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Devendra Fadnavis taking oath as the chief minister. Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was sworn-in as the deputy chief minister.
Ajit Pawar is the nephew of NCP president Sharad Pawar.
"The way the government was formed in Maharashtra is undemocratic and it disrespected the mandate of the people of the state," senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh said.
"The dark act that took place in Maharashtra in the dark of night is the act of killing the dignity of democracy of this country," he said.
Singh said the role of the governor has been reduced to that of a "gatekeeper who is saluting those in power".
"Raj Bhavan has turned into Raja Bhavan," he said.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered oath to Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar at the Raj Bhavan after President''s rule was revoked in the state at 5.47 am.
Congress's 10 questions for BJP, PM Modi and Amit Shah on Maharashtra
1. When and who presented BJP's claim to form the government?
2. How many NCP MLAs had signed on the claim of forming the government?
3. When and how did the Governor of Maharashtra authenticate those signatures?
4. At what time did the Governor recommend the removal of President's rule to the Central Government?
5. At what time did the Union Cabinet meet last night, what ministers were there and at what time did the President recommend the removal of President's rule?
6. At what time was this recommendation sent to the President ?
7. At what time did the President accept the recommendation of the removal of President's rule by the Union Cabinet?
8. At what time did the Governor invite Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for the swearing-in?
9. When did the swearing-in take place? Why were no media including Doordarshan, other political parties, administrative officials of Maharashtra, citizens and the Chief Justice of Maharashtra invited to that swearing-in ceremony, except for a private news agency?
10. Now that the chief minister and his deputy has been sworn-in, why hasn't the Governor given the date for a floor test for the new government to prove its majority?
Maharashtra news: Security of political leaders increased
Security has been beefed up at offices of political parties and leaders' residences to prevent untoward incidents, an official said today.
Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra today and NCP leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as his deputy at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
There is heavy police deployment outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence Silver Oak, the official said, adding that the police have placed barricades to restrict movement of vehicles in the area.
"We are keeping a close watch on the situation in the city after the latest political development, and have increased security at sensitive locations," a spokesperson of the Mumbai police said.
All appropriate measures are being taken to ensure that citizens are not inconvenienced, he added.
Devendra Fadnavis addresses party Worker In Mumbai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addresses the party workers after taking oath. He assures of a stable full term government in the state. Farmers issues will take the forefront, he said.
Randeep Surjewala addresses the media after Maharashtra government formation23rd November will be recorded as a black chapter in the democratic history of Maharashtra and the country, when the Constitution was trampled underfoot. By showing fear of prison bars to opportunist Ajit Pawar, the blind BJP killed democracy, said Randeep Singh Surjewala. This is for the first time in independent India that a Chief Minister, against decency of public life, has been sworn in so early in the morning, which is in contravention of the Constitution, he said.
Maharashtra government: We waited for Shiv Sena gave them enough time, says Ravi Shankar Prasad
Ravi Shankar Prasad: Look, we do not wish to make personal attacks and comments on Shiv Sena and its leaders. We will not do so. We were an alliance and we will not say anything personal against anyone. We waited for Shiv Sena... gave them enough time... they took 20-25 days. We are ashamed at the language used by the Shiv Sena for the prime minister and the home minister in their editorial mouthpiece Saamana... It is shameful and a new low for their party. We will not stoop to that level. We will make no comments about their leaders. I repeat the people of Maharasthra have given the BJP both the mandate and the numbers. Both leaders took oath today with letters of support from their MLAs... that makes it legal. What is happeneing within the NCP, we cannot comment on. That is for the NCP to say. We will see what happens.
Maharashtra News: Why not respect the mandate, says Ravi Shankar Prasad
Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "People in Maharashtra were starting to ask questions that if the mandate is so clearly in BJP's favour then why not stop this unholy alliance. Why not respect the mandate and form the government. The place to prove our majority is the Maharashtra Assembly, and we will prove it when the time comes."
"What suddenly happened to the Shiv Sena after the result came out? They are the ones who went astray. We waited for them. But they snapped ties and went ahead... so if Ajit Pawar has come in support now, why is it such a problem for them. The real schemers were the ones who were forming an unholy alliance for personal gains. Some people are now talking about Chhatrapati Shivaji. Those who are stooping to whatever it takes, even give up on their ideals, give up their values just for personal gains have no moral ground to even quote Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj.... We do not want to say anything further on this" says Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Maharashtra News: The mandate is clear of what the people want, says Ravi Shankar Prasad
Union Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "The mandate was for BJP. The numbers (single-largest party) was BJP... the people wanted Fadnavis as their chief minister where is the doubt? The mandate is clear of what the people want. In 2014 BJP contested 260 seats and got won 46% of them. In 2019 we contested 150 seats and won 105.... Which is better than the 2014 performance. The Shiv Sena candidates benefitted from the goodwill of the BJP and the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis ji. It has to be accepted and noted that people wanted Fadnavis as their chief minister again. The Congress and NCP themselves said that the mandate is for them to sit in the opposition. So how has this suddenly become a match-fixing to grab the chair?"
Maharashtra News: You know what I meant, says Nitin Gadkari
Reacting to the government formation in Maharashtra, BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari said, "I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant."
Maharashtra chief minister: Devendra Fadnavis will lose the floor test, says Nawab Malik
Already some of the MLAs have returned... we are confident they will all come back... we are meeting at 4 pm today for our party's legislature party meeting and all further actions and planning will be done then. We are absolutely certain that the Devendra Fadnavis government which was sworn in today do not have the numbers, and will lose the floor test. We will form the government, says NCP leader Nawab Malik.
Sure that Ajit Pawar Will Bring Required MLAs: Ramdas AthawleUnion Minister Ramdas Athawle said, "We still need 25 MLAs to prove majority...and we will get those MLAs soon. I am sure that Ajt Pawar will bring along with him the required number of MLAs."
Maharashtra News: Sharad Pawar says want a government under Shiv Sena's leadershipNationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar today said some MLAs of his party were cheated into attending the early morning oath ceremony in which his nephew Ajit Pawar was sworn in along with the BJP's Devendra Fadnavis. Ajit Pawar has become Deputy Chief Minister to Mr Fadnavis in a twist that has stunned the Shiv Sena, which was hoping to form government with support from the NCP and Congress. Addressing a press conference with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar paraded three MLAs who were at the oath ceremony and said: "We are absolutely certain that the BJP-led government which is sworn in today does not have the numbers to pass a floor test. We completely back the Shiv Sena and want a government under Uddhav Thackeray."
Maharashtra chief minister: Today was a black spot in the history of Maharashtra, says Ahmed Patel
Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "Today was a black spot in the history of Maharashtra. Everything was done in a hushed manner and early morning. Something is wrong somewhere. Nothing can be more shameful than this."
Maharashtra News: BJP supporters celebrate after Devendra Fadnavis was electedP supporters celebrate after Devendra Fadnavis was elected as the Maharashtra Chief Minister for a second term, outside his residence in Mumbai, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019.
Maharashtra Government: Wish Congress acted faster, says Priya DuttCongress leader Priya Dutt tweeted, "Not surprised with the developments in Maharashtra. BJP was a bit too quiet through it all, wish Congress would have acted faster. Their delayed decision gave a window to BJP to strike. One more opportunity lost."
All our MLAs are safe and with us: Ahmed Patel on Maharashtra government
Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "Today's meeting of the three parties will go ahead as per schedule and we will discuss all pending issues, including who will be the leader of the alliance. This press conference is just to clarify any doubt and to inform you all that we are intact. All our MLAs are safe and with us, except two who have gone home. We three will come together to defeat the BJP in the vote of confidence"
Maharashtra News: The Congressm NCP and Shiv Sena are together, says Ahmed PatelAt Congress press conference, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said- Naa band, naa baaja, naa baaraat... and the govt was sworn in. First, the BJP was invited, then the Shiv Sena, then the NCP... but Congress wasn't invited. We smell something foul in the manner in which things were done this morning. Noone had a clue... only 3-4 media persons were invited. The constitution has been insulted. This is the pits....This is a level to which one can stoop. They have crossed all limits... to say that this is shameless would be an understatement. The Congressm NCP and Shiv Sena are together.
Will soon we will expose the BJP and reveal all this in Saamana: Sanjay Raut
We have all the information on how Ajit Pawar was blackmailed. We have all the details on record.... Very soon we will expose the BJP and reveal all this in Saamana. As for Chandrakant Patil (BJP Maharashtra President)... you better watch out... you all act like thieves... Chandrakant Patil watch out, says Sanjay Raut.
Maharashtra News: The time will come when the countrymen will teach the BJP a lesson, says Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "What was the need to cover up what happened in Maharashtra. What is the morality behind the withdrawal of President's rule and the swearing-in? Which direction are they taking the country to? The time will come when the countrymen will answer this and teach the BJP a lesson."
Maharashtra News: BJP to address press conference BJP to address the media at the party's state office in Mumbai at 2.30 pm today.
Maharashtra government: There is no decision on removing Ajit Pawar, says Sharad Pawar
We will make a decision on Ajit Pawar and the decision will be that of the entire party, says Sharad Pawar. Our discipline committee will take action against all those who have participated in the swearing-in ceremony today. There is no decision on removing Ajit Pawar, that will be a party decision - a collective decision. If need be, we will do whatever it takes to keep the flock together (on a question about moving MLAs to a safe location/resort), says Sharad Pawar.
Maharashtra News: Nothing but a political surgical strike that the BJP has done: Uddhav ThackerayThis is a new kind of thing that the country has witnessed... This is nothing but disrespect towards the constitution of India and the mandate of the people of Maharashtra. This is not just in Maharashtra... the BJP is doing this all over the country. The BJP is forming governments with people like Dushyant Chautala, who they spoke against all along. The BJP must go back and introspect... and see what ideals Shivaji Maharaj stood for. This is nothing but a political surgical strike that the BJP has done. We will stand together and we will form the government in Maharashtra, says Uddhav Thackeray.
BJP-led government does not have the numbers to pass a floor test: Sharad Pawar
Sharad Pawar said, Each and every party and all MLAs who were part of the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance had put their names on a piece of paper which was then signed by Ajit Pawar since he was the legislative party leader of the NCP. We believe Ajit Pawar took this very letter to the governor and told him that he has NCP's support. We are absolutely certain that the BJP-led government which is sworn in today does not have the numbers to pass a floor test. We completely back the Shiv Sena and want a government under Uddhav Thackeray.
Maharashtra chief minister: There is no decision on removing Ajit Pawar, says Sharad Pawar
We found out that 8-10 of our MLAs along with Ajit Pawar assembled for a sudden meeting. The next we know that the oath-taking ceremony takes place. We had no clue of any of this. We are in no way part of all this and Ajit Pawar has acted independently. The NCP, all of us, are still with the Sov Sena and Congress. We just got a call from Ajit Pawar, so we went. We had no clue that this was against party stand. We just got a call from Ajit Pawar, so we went. We had no clue that this was against party stand.
'Around 10 to 11 NCP MLAs switched sides': Sharad PawarBJP as a party has always believed in forming an alliance with anyone and in any manner to come to power. But NCP can never join hands with BJP. I am told that 10-11 MLAs have gone along with Ajit Pawar and joined hands with the BJP, says Sharad Pawar.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar said, "Except for Ajit Pawar, none of the other NCP MLAs went for the swearing-n the ceremony. A true NCP member will never ever join hands with the BJP. A true NCP member will never ever join hands with the BJP."
Maharashtra News: Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance is still activeThe Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance is still active. All the elected MLAs have given their support to this alliance. I got a call this morning at 6:30 that a meeting was called at the governor's house, said NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
Maharashtra government: Sharad Pawar addresses media in Mumbai
Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray and other leaders address press conference.
Maharashtra News: Devendra Fadnavis cements his position as numero uno in Maharashtra BJP
Few outside Maharashtra had heard of Devendra Fadnavis when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah handpicked him five years ago for the post of Chief Minister. The 49-year-old took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second time on Saturday, in a stunning twist in the state's politics. He is one of the youngest Chief Ministers of Maharashtra. He has scored rich praise not just from Amit Shah, but also from Mohan Bhagwat, the all-powerful chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP's ideological mentor. Speaking at a rally ahead of the state election, Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, said he had "never seen anyone work" like Mr Fadnavis.
Maharashtra Government: Nawab Malik attacks Ajit PawarIn a veiled attack at Ajit Pawar who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, NCP leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that his party had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance which were later misused. "We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, it was misused as a basis for the oath," Mr Malik told reporters in Mumbai. Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second term. BJP, with 105 seats forged alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party which bagged 54 seats to garner the majority figure.
Maharashtra News: Ajit Pawar removed as NCP Legislative Party leaderAjit Pawar was today removed as the NCP Legislative Party leader hours after he took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra News: NCP workers chant slogans against Ajit Pawar
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 Chief Minister: Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena will address the media shortlySharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule receives Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Thackeray outside YB Chavan Centre, where Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena will address the media shortly.
Ramdas Athawale On Maharashtra Government
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale declared this morning that the BJP had taught the Sena, its former ally in the state, a lesson. On Friday he had warned the Shiv Sena that an alliance with the Congress and the NCP to form the government in Maharashtra could not last. Mr Athawale also said he knew a BJP government would come to power and suggested that the NCP joining hands with the BJP could have happened because the Congress had dragged its heels over an alliance with it and the Sena.
Maharashtra News: "Surreal..." Says Abhishek Singhvi As Congress Delays Open Door For BJPCongress leader Abhishek Singhvi has lamented his party's delay in extending support to the Shiv Sena and the NCP to form the government in Maharashtra. Mr Singhvi's tweet came less than an hour after a dramatic overnight twist in Mumbai saw the BJP retain power in the state on the back of an alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). In a tweet posted at 8.45 am, Mr Singhvi described the news of a BJP-NCP alliance as "surreal" and said Congress negotiations with the Sena and the NCP had taken too long. "Surreal what 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," Abhishek Singhvi wrote.
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Saturday greeted BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar for taking over as Chief Minister and Deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, respectively, early in the day. AIADMK Coordinator and state deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam extended his greetings to the two leaders on Twitter. "I extend my greetings (to both) to work towards a sustained growth of Maharashtra," he said in a tweet. The AIADMK is a constituent of the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance
Maharashtra government formation In the wake of dramatic political developments in the state, security has been beefed up at offices of political parties and leaders' residences to prevent untoward incidents, an official said on Saturday. Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and NCP leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as his deputy at Raj Bhavan. There is heavy police deployment outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar''s residence Silver Oak, the official said, adding that the police have placed barricades to restrict the movement of vehicles in the area.
Maharashtra News: Congress, NCP and Shivsena press conference at 12.30 pm
"Congress, NCP and Shivsena will have a joint press conference at 12.30 pm at YB chavan pratishthan," said Sanjay Raut.
In another Whatsapp status, NCP's Sharad Pawar daughter Supriya Sule said, "Who do you trust in life... never felt so cheated in my life...Defended him loved him... look what I get in return."
Shocked by the dramatic twist in Maharashtra government formation after Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar took oath this morning, Congress called it "betrayal" of people's mandate". "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer," tweeted Congress leader Milind Deora, quoting the line from the classic, "The Godfather".
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, " This is an insult to the Constitution. On what grounds have they been sworn in? We (Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena) had the letters of support. What did they (Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar) have? Did they give any letters to the governor? On what grounds did the governor invite them? If they did not give any letters of support to the governor, then on what basis was this done? Like I said, there are several questions unanswered.... But this seems to be a gross violation and an insult of the Constitution."
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.
Maharashtra chief minister: Yogi Adityanath congratulates Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar Yogi Adityanath congratulates Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar on Maharashtra govt formation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar in a tweet.
Sharad Pawar, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel arrive for Congress-NCP-Sena joint press conference.
Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar to address a press conference at 12.30
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who was hoping to become chief minister with the support of the NCP and the Congress, will address a press conference at 12.30 pm along with NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who has called his nephew Ajit Pawar's move his "personal decision and not one endorsed by the party. Sharad Pawar reportedly phoned Mr Thackeray and said he was "unaware".
As the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appeared to have gone with the BJP overnight, hours after party chief Sharad Pawar announced a Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance to form a government, his daughter Supriya Sule's WhatsApp status conveyed a big message. "Party and family split," said Supriya Sule's status on the messaging app.
Maharashtra Government :Talking to Sena a big mistake, says Sanjay Nirupam"People would be thinking I will be happy by today's developments,but I am actually very sad. Congress has been unnecessarily defamed in this and thinking of alliance with Shiv Sena was a mistake. I appeal to Sonia ji to at first dissolve Congress Working Committee," Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said.
Reacting to the government formation in Maharashtra, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said "People had voted for BJP alliance. Shiv Sena betrayed people and peoples' mandate and decided to go with the Congress, which opposed Ram Mandir and Veer Savarkar; Shiv Sena was happy to go with the Congress, which is synonymous to corruption and had imposed emergency."
Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule said, "We will make an official statement at 12:30 pm". Sharad Pawar has called all NCP MLA's for meeting at 4.30 pm today at YB Chavan Hall.
BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister
In a massive overnight twist in Maharashtra, the BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister in the early hours of Saturday, with a deputy, Ajit Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had just hours ago pledged support to the Shiv Sena along with the Congress. "Maharashtra needed a stable government, not a khichidi shaasan (mishmash government)," Mr Fadnavis said after taking oath, adding that the Shiv Sena "did not follow people's mandate". "We were invited by the Governor to form government. I thank NCP and Ajit Pawar for supporting us," he added.
Nawab Malik, Nationalist Congress Party said, "We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, it was misused as a basis for the oath."
Maharashtra News: Sign of a mature democracy, says JP Nadda
BJP Working President, JP Nadda in Ahmedabad: I congratulate the people of Maharashtra, a stable government under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis ji has been formed. It is a sign of a mature democracy.
Party and Family Split: Supriya Sule in her Whatsapp status wroteSharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule in her Whatsapp status wrote, "Party and family split".
Sharad Pawar calls all NCP MLA's for meeting at 4.30 pm today
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel tweeted saying, "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."
Devendra Fadnavis thanks PM Modi for wishes
"Thank you so much Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take Maharashtra to newer and greater heights,' Fadnavis tweeted.
Maharashtra News: Congress calls urgent meeting
An urgent meeting has been called by Congress at party office in Mumbai. Senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal to be present.
On Friday, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had cancelled his weekend trip to Delhi for a three-day conference and decided to stay in Mumbai. Mr Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were administered the oath by Governor at around 8 am today. Ajit Pawar, the nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, had been present last night at a meeting after which the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress announced an alliance with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister.
President's Rule was revoked in Maharashtra at 5.47 am mere hours before the BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister for a second term. The state had been placed under President's Rule on November 12 after last month's elections delivered a fractured mandate. In a brief three-line notification issued by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla this morning, President Ram Nath Kovind revoked President's Rule "in relation to the state of Maharashtra with effect from the 23rd day of November, 2019". Government formation in the state had appeared to be a done deal late Saturday night after a lengthy tripartite meeting between the Shiv Sena, the Congress and the NCP that resulted in Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray being announced as the alliance's Chief Minister.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh in a tweet questioned Governor whether it received letter of support from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He also said, "The Governor should have decided after NCP leader Jayant Patil have taken support from the NCP MLAs.
All NCP MLAs have supported us: BJP
BJP leader Girish Mahajan said, "We will prove our majority with support of over 170 MLAs. Ajit Pawar has given a letter to Governor about support of his MLAs and as he is legislative party leader of NCP, which means all NCP MLAs have supported us."
Maharashtra News: J P Nadda congratulates Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
BJP working president J P Nadda tweeted, "I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis ji and Ajit Pawar ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, respectively. I am sure that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP-NCP Government will take Maharashtra to newer heights."
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray to address the media at 12.30 pm today
Stunned by an early morning coup in which the BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra chief minister, the Shiv Sena said it was "stabbed in the back" by Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who was also sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. Ajit Pawar, the nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, had been present in meetings to form a coalition of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress till yesterday.
Maharashtra Government FormationMaharashtra BJP chief and state minister Chandrakant Patil said, "Shiv Sena had been in talks with others for weeks. For selfish interests, they were ignoring the problems that people were facing in Maharashtra. They forgot about farmers, workers, etc. All they wanted was power. They say they have been stabbed in the back when the truth is that they are the ones who stabbed us (BJP) and the people of Maharashtra in the back after asking votes for a pre-poll alliance and then abandoning the alliance for personal gains."
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a tweet said, "Honourable Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of Chief Minister of Maharashtra to Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM to Shri Ajit Pawar."
Maharashtra Government: Betrayal of a mandate, betrayal of democracy
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala took to Twitter and said that the latest development in Maharashtra government formation is a "betrayal of mandate and democracy".
Maharashtra News: People of Have Been Cheated, says Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "People of Maharashtra have been cheated. It was about trust of Maharashtra, you have used your money power to your advantage."
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "I am certain that the decision taken by Ajit Pawar has nothing to do with Sharad Pawar. What Ajit Pawar has done will never be forgiven by Chhatrapati Shivaji and the people of Maharashtra. I don't want to say anything about Devendra Fadnavis, but yes, the BJP can go to any extent to gain power."
Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar will be meeting on this development and will address a press conference. The way in which the BJP has done all this behind closed curtains and with money power has been deceitful to the people and an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj, said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.
BJP workers in Nagpur, Maharashtra celebrates after Devendra Fadnavis was sworn as the Chief Minister.
"Congratulations Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. I am confident that with your commitment and dedication, you will continue to serve the people. Congratulations Ajit Pawar on taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra," Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted.
Maharashtra Government: Ajit's Decision is His Personal Decision: Sharad Pawar
Reacting to Devendra Fadnavis taking oath as chief minister and Ajit Pawar as deputy chief minister, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said, "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."
Maharashtra News: President's rule revoked in Maharashtra
With government formation today, the President's rule, which was imposed across the state 10 days ago, has been revoked.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal congratulated chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar for taking oath as the chief minister and Deputy chief minister of Maharashtra respectively.
Nitin Gadkari congratulates Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar"Congratulations to Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for taking oath as the chief minister and deputy chief minister, respectively. We are confident that the two of you will work together for the development of Maharashtra," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted in Hindi.
Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated PM Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over the government formation in Maharashtra.
Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated PM Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over the government formation in Maharashtra.
Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said, "Surreal what I read about Maharashtra. Thought it was fake news. Candidly and personally speaking, our tripartite negotiations should 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."
In a dramatic twist overnight, the BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for a second term at Raj Bhavan this morning more than a week after the state was placed under President's Rule. Nationalist Conference Party chief Sharad Pawar's nephew, Ajit Pawar, will be his deputy. The move comes at a time when deliberations between the Congress, the NCP and Shiv Sena to form a government in the state reached the final stage on Friday and the three parties inched closer to announcing an alliance.
Amit Shah congratulated Devendra FadnavisUnion Minister Amit Shah congratulated Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. "I am confident that this government will continue working for the growth and development," Amit Shah said.