Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Maharashtra caretaker Dy CM Ajit Pawar on Saturday said during a meeting of Mahayuti leaders it was decided that the new chief minister will be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)  and the remaining two parties – Shiv Sena and NCP – will get Dy CM posts.

The meeting of Mahayuti leaders was held in Delhi.

Ajit Pawar said: “During the meeting (Delhi meeting of Mahayuti leader) it was decided that Mahayuti will form the government with CM from BJP and the remaining two parties will have Dy CMs… This is not the first time there has been a delay… If you remember, in 1999, one month was taken for government formation.” 

This comes after reports on Friday suggested that Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was “upset” and had travelled to his native village amid the delay in forming the government.

Earlier, on Thursday night, Eknath Shinde, along with Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar, and other Mahayuti leaders, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda in the national capital.

BJP’s Maharashtra president Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday announced that the oath-taking ceremony of the Mahayuti government will be held on December 5.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at around 5 pm on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

He added that the event will be conducted in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on social media platform X, Bawankule wrote, “Oath-taking ceremony of the Maha-Yuti Government in Maharashtra. It will be held in the presence of the pride of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 5 PM at Azad Maidan, Mumbai.”

The Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared on November 23, with BJP-led Mahayuti alliance storming back to power with a landslide majority. The ruling alliance, however, is yet to finalise its Chief Minister face.

The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies–the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar–won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Days after INDIA bloc’s defeat in Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said that they don’t want EVMs, and demanded ballot paper.

“We don’t want EVMs, we want ballot paper,” reported PTI quoting Mallikarjun Kharge.

Kharge also called for campaign on lines of Bharat Jodo Yatra for return of ballot paper.

Kharge made the remark while addressing the Samvidhan Rakshak Abhiyan event at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi.

In the recently held Maharashtra assembly elections, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)  was routed by the BJP-led Mahayuti in the one-sided contest. While MVA alliance won 46 seats, Congress won just 16 seats

The Mahayuti recorded a landslide victory, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP bagged 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41 seats.

What Kharge said?

The Congress president claimed that PM Modi fears caste census, adding, “Everyone demanding their share.”

Kharge also told BJP that if they really want unity in the country, they should stop spreading hatred.

— Some people praise the Constitution, but only superficially; inside, they are undermining it. 

— To protect the Constitution, Rahul Gandhi ji launched the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and to save democracy, all minorities came forward, which is why we were able to stop PM Modi. 

— Today, his government is not a majority government but a minority one. 

— PM Modi’s (government) is standing with the support of TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu, and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. 

— This government will fall if anyone withdraws support.

Salil Deshmukh, the Katol constituency candidate and son of NCP-SCP leader Anil Deshmukh, accused the BJP of orchestrating an alleged attack on his father.

He further claimed that the BJP is attempting to destabilise the region, as it faces a looming defeat in the upcoming elections for Katol and Nagpur, ANI reported.

Also Read: Maharashtra Election 2024: High-octane campaign wraps up; 96 million voters to choose between Mahayuti and MVA

“From Gramin Rugnalaya, I reached the Katol police station, where his (Anil Deshmukh) temporary dressing was done, and then he was urgently referred to Nagpur’s Alexis Hospital. People accompanying Anil Deshmukh have filed a complaint. Thousands of people gathered, and I appealed to them to maintain peace. It’s evident that the BJP is facing a significant defeat here, and they believe that with Amit Shah as the Union Home Minister and Devendra Fadnavis as the Deputy Chief Minister and Maharashtra Home Minister, they can act without accountability. They do not want Katol and Nagpur to remain safe.”

Salil Deshmukh is contesting the Katol seat on the NCP Sharad Pawar faction’s ticket, facing BJP’s Charansingh Thakur.

The incident occurred on the Katol-Jalalkheda Road, where Anil Deshmukh’s car was allegedly attacked with stones, leaving the NCP-SCP leader injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The attack took place on the final day of campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Anil Deshmukh was injured in an alleged attack, with his son, Salil Deshmukh, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the incident. The BJP has yet to comment on the allegations.

The BJP is facing a significant defeat here, and they believe that with Amit Shah as the Union Home Minister and Devendra Fadnavis as the Deputy Chief Minister, they can act without accountability.

The counting in all 288 constituencies will be held on November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP, is aiming to reclaim power from the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, BJP, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray addresses a public meeting in support of party candidate Eknath Pawar for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election, at Loha in Nanded district of Maharashtra. 
| Photo Credit: PTI

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray has been a central figure in the State’s turbulent politics over the last five years. In this exclusive interview to Frontline, Thackeray speaks of his former alliance with BJP, the personal attacks on his family by BJP leaders, his agenda for the Maharashtra, and speculates on who the next Chief Minister will be. Excerpts.

Also Read | I am sure people want change: Sharad Pawar

Also Read | We are opposing vote jehad: Ajit Pawar

NEW DELHI: Mahayuti leaders, including Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday shared videos of their bags being checked by poll body officials in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray‘s criticism of the Election Commission.
Sharing a video on X, NCP chief Ajit Pawar wrote: “Today, while on my way for election campaigning, the Election Commission conducted a routine check of my bags and helicopter. I fully cooperated and believe that such measures are essential to ensure free and fair elections.”
“Let us all respect the law and support efforts to uphold the integrity of our democracy,” the NCP chief wrote.

The bags of chief minister Eknath Shinde being checked by the poll officials was also shared by Shiv Sena. The party said Shinde’s bags were checked at Palghar Police ground helipad when he reached for the election campaign.

Ramdas Athawale’s party, which is a BJP ally, also shared video of party chief’s frisking video in Pune.
Earlier in the day, BJP shared a video of its leader Devendra Fadnavis being checked at an airport, saying it was a normal procedure ahead of the election.
The frisking by poll officials became the latest flashpoint in Maharashtra after UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray’s bags were checked twice in Yavatmal and Latur.
Criticising the EC, Uddhav asked if the election authorities would also inspect the bags of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders.
The sources in the Election Commission, however, told PTI that aircraft and helicopters of top leaders across political spectrum are checked as part of standard operating procedure.
They said in the previous polls too, planes and helicopters of BJP president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah were checked.
“There have been strict SOPs followed by enforcement agencies for a level playing field. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a similar issue was raised in Bihar and it was clarified that the helicopters of prominent leaders, including Nadda was checked in district Bhagalpur on April 24 and Shah in district Katihar on April 21 were also checked as per SOP,” a functionary pointed out.
The sources also recalled the statement of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during the announcement of ongoing assembly elections that directions have been given to the enforcement agencies to ensure checking of helicopters of all leaders for a level playing field.

PM Modi vs Congress on ‘ATM’ Remark: As the Maharashtra assembly elections approach, political tensions have escalated following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s controversial statement accusing Congress of turning states into “ATMs” for the “Shahi Parivaar”.

Hitting back Mumbai Congress working president Charan Singh Sapra on Tuesday said, “PM himself has taken the ATM onboard, he took Ajit Pawar with him against whom he levelled ₹70,000 Crores of corruption charges. Another ATM Narayan Rane is with him. Several ATMS are with the BJP. There is ATM of industrialists as well, be it Adani or Ambani.”

PM Modi Accuses Congress of ‘exploiting Karnataka’ to Fund Maharashtra Poll campaign

PM Modi’s comments specifically targeted Congress’ governance, alleging that Karnataka’s government has siphoned ₹700 crore from liquor sellers to fund their campaign in Maharashtra.

“In the name of elections in Maharashtra, they (Congress) have looted ₹700 crore from liquor sellers in Karnataka. You can imagine the loot once they win the elections,” Modi added, further stating that Congress-ruled states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have become ATMs for their leadership.

Congress and Allies Retaliate: ‘Why can’t PM initiate a probe?’

The Congress hit back, with senior leader Rashid Alvi questioning why PM Modi hasn’t initiated any legal probes if corruption is indeed rampant.

“PM Modi is the Prime Minister of the country. If corruption is happening somewhere, law can do its job. Why can’t PM initiate a probe as per the law if somebody is corrupt? Karnataka is not an ATM; BJP has made the whole country an ATM,” Alvi said, accusing the BJP of prioritising the wealth of industrialist allies over the welfare of the people.

Mumbai Congress working president Charan Singh Sapra joined the rebuttal, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy. “PM Modi doesn’t want to discuss the issues of Maharashtra or the people… PM wants to distract people,” Sapra claimed.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and Opposition Slam ‘Politics of Convenience’

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey also criticised PM Modi’s remarks, attributing them to desperation. Dubey pointed out the BJP’s diminishing success, stating, “It is not just the Prime Minister but the Home Minister and UP CM are also at it. They are restless. Ever since they won only 17 of the 48 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, they are desperate to regain trust. But the people of Maharashtra want a government under Maha Vikas Aghadi leadership.”

Dubey accused Modi of practicing “politics of convenience” and warned of the consequences. “When you give ATMs to your industrialist friends, do you not say anything before people? They will face a crushing defeat on November 23,” Dubey added.

PM Modi doesn’t want to discuss the issues of Maharashtra or the people… PM wants to distract people.

PM Modi’s ATM analogy and the opposition’s sharp counterattacks have set the stage for a fierce battle in the run-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections on 20 November, with votes being counted on 23 November.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, composed of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), aims to wrest control from the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP and its partners.

If corruption is happening somewhere, law can do its job. Why can’t PM initiate a probe as per the law if somebody is corrupt?

Haryana’s Health Minister, Anil Vij, on Tuesday, expressed strong confidence that the “same magic” seen in recent state elections in Haryana will work wonders for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. Speaking to ANI, Vij lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for revolutionising the political landscape with his focus on development.

Anil Vij’s Confidence in PM Modi’s Vision

Vij, a prominent BJP leader, praised Prime Minister Modi for changing the direction of Indian politics, saying his leadership has shifted politics away from false promises to the politics of progress. 

“PM Modi’s approach to development politics is gaining traction, and people across the country are rallying behind his vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India),” said Vij.

He went on to remark that Modi’s focus on development has struck a chord with the electorate, adding that the “same magic” seen in recent elections in Haryana will undoubtedly benefit the BJP in both Jharkhand and Maharashtra. 

“The nation wants to walk with Modi towards a developed India,” Vij affirmed.

Anil Vij hails PM Modi’s Vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’

Vij also highlighted the significance of Modi’s push for a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ noting that no previous Prime Minister had focused on transforming India into a developed nation. He pointed out that many countries that gained independence after India have already developed, while India continues to struggle with basic amenities. 

Modi’s goal, according to Anil Vij, is to address these challenges and move the nation towards progress.

“The goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ was set by Modi ji because, until now, no one else had the vision to make India a developed nation,” he added.

Jharkhand Elections: BJP’s Strategic Push

The campaigning for the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections came to a close on November 11, with the state set to vote on November 13 and 20. Jharkhand’s elections will be held in two phases, with 43 of the 81 constituencies going to the polls in the first round.

Prime Minister Modi held a roadshow in Ranchi and delivered key rallies in Bokaro and Gumla on November 10, slamming Congress for attempting to divide communities. 

“Congress and its allies are trying to create rifts between SCs, STs, and OBCs,” Modi said, reinforcing his party’s commitment to unity.

Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Tight Race Ahead

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with votes set to be counted on November 23. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance—comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—is aiming to reclaim power from the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.

In the 2019 Maharashtra elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 105 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 56 and the Congress with 44. Since then, the state has witnessed major political reshuffling, with new alliances and shifting loyalties altering the landscape. 

As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ramped up its campaign with the slogan ‘batenge toh katenge’ (If divided, we perish), aimed at invoking Hindu unity. However, Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and an alliance partner of BJP in Mahayuti, has voiced strong opposition to the slogan, asserting it will not resonate with the people of Maharashtra.

Ajit Pawar’s Response to BJP’s Campaign Slogan

Maharashtra Deputy CM, Ajit Pawar stated that he did not support the slogan, which has been echoed by BJP leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra leader Devendra Fadnavis.

“I have said this several times. It will not work in Maharashtra. This may work in UP, Jharkhand, or some other places,” Pawar told India Today.

The slogan, first introduced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath in the wake of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, has become a central element of the BJP’s campaigning in Maharashtra.

Ajit Pawar, who is set to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 from Baramati, emphasised that the focus in Maharashtra should be on development. “We should be concentrating on ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, not divisive politics,” Pawar told India Today, distancing himself from BJP’s polarising narrative.

‘Batenge toh katenge’ faces backlash

The BJP’s slogan has faced criticism not only from Ajit Pawar but also from the opposition, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing the BJP of promoting divisive politics. Congress, in particular, has condemned the slogan as an attempt to pit one religion against another.

Ajit Pawar, a seven-time MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister, pointed out that Maharashtra’s political culture is shaped by figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, and Mahatma Phule, who stood for unity and social harmony. “You cannot compare Maharashtra with other states; the people of Maharashtra do not like this,” Pawar said in response to CM Adityanath’s rally.

Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: A New Battle

This year’s Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, will see the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, face off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and Congress.

The elections have become even more significant due to the split within regional parties, with Ajit Pawar and his uncle, Sharad Pawar, leading separate factions of the NCP.

For Ajit Pawar, this election is personal as he faces his uncle’s faction and the larger challenge of establishing his leadership credentials. Despite the recent split, Ajit Pawar has maintained that his decision to part ways with Sharad Pawar was not a mistake. “I did not leave him. All the MLAs wrote to him and he gave his permission,” Ajit Pawar told Hindu.

The Maharashtra Assembly election, marking the first since the vertical split of the Shiv Sena and NCP, is set to be a decisive moment for the state’s political future. Ajit Pawar’s NCP will contest 56 of the 288 constituencies, and the results, to be counted on November 23, will determine which faction emerges dominant.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday hinted at retiring from politics. The senior politician said that he had fought elections 14 times and stressed the need to hand over responsibility to the new generation.

Pawar made the remark during his visit to Baramati to campaign for party candidate and grandson Yugendra Pawar, who will take on his uncle Ajit Pawar in the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls.

Pawar stated that after completing his Rajya Sabha tenure, he would consider whether to leave his parliamentary position.

“I am not in power. I am in Rajya Sabha and the last one and a half years are left. I have already contested 14 elections. How many more shall I contest? Every time you have made me win the elections. I should stop somewhere. A new generation should be brought in,” reported ANI, quoting Pawar.

The former chief minister said that he would continue to do social work and would not need any elections for that, adding, “I will not contest in the Lok Sabha. I will not contest any election.”

Pawar’s Rajya Sabha tenure will be completed in 2026.

Meanwhile, addressing a public meeting in Shirsuphal, Pawar acknowledged Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s contribution to Baramati but asserted that the region needs new leadership for its development for the next three decades.

“Now, it’s time to prepare for the future. We need to groom leadership that will work for the next 30 years,” the former Union minister said, adding that everyone should get an opportunity, and he had never held anyone back.

In an apparent dig at Ajit Pawar, he said if someone keeps saying he will take everything, people may not say anything but will disapprove of it.

Pawar further said that though he hadn’t come to ask for votes recently, the people of Baramati have never disappointed him.

In a major announcement, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has withdrawn from withdraws from Maharashtra polls 2024. While speaking to reporters, he said that he will not support any contestant or party in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls and asked his supporters who had filed nominations to withdraw their candidature.

Speaking to reporters at Antarwali Sarathi village on Monday morning, Jarange said, “After much deliberation, I have decided not to field any candidate in the state. The Maratha community will decide on its own whom to defeat and whom to elect. I have no affiliation to or support for any candidate or political party.”

The activist’s decision to not participate in the electoral process marks a notable shift from his earlier strategy. Earlier, he had identified certain constituencies where he had intended to support or oppose some candidates.

He also informed reporters that he was not under any pressure from either the Mahayuti or MVA. “I am under no pressure from anyone. The community itself will decide whom to support based on their commitment to the Maratha cause,” he said.

Furthermore, he also urged the Maratha community members not to attend any political rally and not be swayed by any party.

“Those who have wronged or harassed the Maratha community should be taught a lesson through the ballot,” he said.

Candidates on whom Manoj Jarange has extended support

On Sunday, he declared his intention to support two candidates from Parvati and Daund in the upcoming elections. These seats are currently occupied by the BJP, a party he has frequently criticised for its stance against Maratha reservations.

Previously, he had mentioned his backing for candidates in Phulambri, Kannad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Hingoli, Pathari (Parbhani), and Hadgaon (Nanded). He also indicated his goal to unseat sitting MLAs from Bhokardan (Jalna), Gangapur (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Kalamnuri (Hingoli), Gangakhed, Jintur (Parbhani), and Ausa (Latur), all of whom are part of the Mahayuti coalition.

Maharashtra Assembly elections

Voting will take place in 288 seats of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in a single phase on November 20. The votes will be counted on November 23.

The fight in Maharashtra is considered bipolar between the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently in alliance with Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under the ruling Mahayuti banner. The Shiv Sena (UBT), the NCP (Sharad Pawar) and the Congress are part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.