Ajit calls Sharad his leader; latter says he's creating confusion
On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar wrote a series of tweets, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders, one day after taking oath. "Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We will ensure a stable Government that will work hard for the welfare of people of Maharashtra," his first tweet read.
Further, he replied to congratulatory messages from several BJP leaders
Ajit then thanked Home Minister Amit Shah, saying, "Honorable Home Minister Amit Shah, thank you for your good wishes." Other leaders whom he thanked include Devendra Fadnavis's wife, Ravi Kishan, Dharmendra Pradhan, Anurag Thakur, Ramdas Athawale, Mansukh Mandaviya, Vijay Rupani, Girish Bapat, Suresh Prabhu, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Sadananda Gowda, Jagat Prakash Nadda, and Piyush Goyal, among others.
Ajit said he shall "always be in the NCP"
Ajit's message in the tweets was confused, at best. While he maintained he shall always be in the NCP, he was sacked as CLP leader, just yesterday. He further maintained that Sharad Pawar 'saheb' is his leader, but said the BJP-NCP alliance in Maharashtra would provide a stable government and would work for the welfare of the state and its people.
What does this mean, asks a journalist
Ajit is creating confusion and false perception: Sharad Pawar
However, in a quick response, Sharad Pawar tweeted that Ajit is trying to create confusion among the people, and that there is no question of NCP joining hands with the BJP. "NCP has unanimously decided to ally with Shiv Sena and Congress," he wrote.
Here's what unfolded in Maharashtra yesterday
Let's now recall the unprecedented turn of events in Maharashtra. Yesterday, President's rule in Maharashtra was revoked at 5:47am, after PM Modi gave a green signal. Minutes after that, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit took oath as the CM and Deputy CM, in the presence of Governor. Ironically, BJP made Ajit's corruption as their election plank, while campaigning in the state.
BJP is yet to pass the floor test
It is imperative to mention that BJP is yet to pass the floor test. In fact, earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ordered Centre to produce the letters of Fadnavis claiming a majority in the Assembly, and that of the Governor's invitation to form the government, in an off-day hearing. It was in response to the joint petition filed by Sena-Congress-NCP.
Maharashtra has been facing deadlock since poll results were announced
To recall, Maharashtra has been dealing with political uncertainty ever since the results of Assembly polls were announced. Although the pre-poll BJP-Sena alliance won a majority, they couldn't form government due to tussle over power-sharing arrangement. Subsequently, President's rule was imposed in the state on November 12. Meanwhile, Congress, Sena, NCP (Sharad faction) have shifted their MLAs to prevent potential poaching by the BJP.
