More Congress MLAs to ditch party in Maharashtra? NCP leader's big claim

Congress has been hit by high-profile exits of Milind Deora and Ashok Chavan in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections.

Published on: Feb 21, 2024, 19:11:52 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A Nationalist Congress Party leader on Wednesday claimed that seven Congress MLAs and two legislators from NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar are in talks to cross over to the ruling alliance.

"Seven MLAs of Congress are in contact with us and 2 MLAs of Sharad Pawar faction also want to join Maha Yuti and work under the leadership of Ajit Pawar. Before Lok Sabha elections, there are going to be a large number of joinings," NCP leader Amol Mitkari told news agency ANI.

If claim are true, it would be a big setback to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The grand old party has been hit by high-profile exits in Maharashtra with Ashok Chavan and Milind Deora joining the BJP and Shiv Sena respectively.

HT had reported on February 3 that about 15 Congress MLA would quit the party ahead of the elections. Chavan, a former chief minister, enjoys a mass support and has several MLAs loyal to him.

On the other hand, Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad are locked in a fierce battle over the legacy of NCP, the party founded by the latter two decades ago following his expulsion from the Congress.

A file photo of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with party leader Rahul Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar at a protest of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi (PTI file)

The Election Commission on February 7 had declared Ajit's faction as the real NCP and allotted it the ‘clock’ symbol. Later, the poll panel granted the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) as the name for the group headed by the veteran leader.

Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on February 15 held that the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar was the real NCP and that the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution cannot be used to stifle internal dissent.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed that the EC's order of February 7 granting the name of 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' for the group led by Sharad Pawar will continue till further orders.

(With agency inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.