The month-long political impasse ended dramatically with Devendra Fadnavis returning as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP's) Ajit Pawar as Deputy CM.
BJP has 105 MLAs and NCP 54 in the 288-member Legislative Assembly.
Our correspondents Sharad Vyas, Tanvi Deshpande and Alok Despande from Mumbai, and Nistula Hebbar, Sobhana K. Nair, Sandeep Phukan and Vijaita Singh from New Delhi report.
Here are the live updates:
Supreme Court to hear Sena-NCP-Congress plea tomorrow
Supreme Court to hear on November 24 the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine’s plea challenging the Maharashtra Governor’s decision to swear-in Mr. Fadnavis as Chief Minister. Hearing is scheduled to commence at 11.30 am, says lawyer of the three parties Sunil Fernandes.
NCP MLAs moved to a hotel in buses
NCP MLAs meeting is over. They are being moved to a hotel in buses.
According to Nawab Malik, the party spokesperson, the MLAs will stay in Mumbai. “The BJP-led government in Maharashtra will be defeated in the Assembly Speaker’s election,” Mr. Malik says. “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.”
Five MLAs not in contact, says NCP
A meeting of NCP MLAs is on at the Y.B. Chavan Centre. According to party spokesman Nawab Malik, 43 out of the 54 MLAs are present at the meeting. Out of the 11 MLAs who were absent, six are in contact. Five MLAs are not in contact, says Mr. Malik.
Party chief Sharad Pawar and other leaders during the NCP Legislature Party meeting in Mumbai on November 23, 2019. Photo: Twitter/@NCPspeaks
Congress-NCP-Sena combine moves Supreme Court
The Congress-NCP-Sena combine has moved the Supreme Court in a joint petition against the “illegal usurpation of power” by the BJP in Maharashtra in a “hurried and makeshift” swearing-in ceremony which installed Mr. Fadnavis as Chief Minister. "There is nothing in public domain in what manner Shri Devendra Fadnavis and/or the BJP had staked claim power between the intervening night of 22.11.2019 and 23.11.2019. Further there is no material in the public domain to show that Shri Devendra Fadnavis had carried letters of support of 144 MLAs (which in any event was not legally possible to do). The Petitioners categorically assert that all the MLA’s of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress are completely and solidly with the alliance except for Shri Ajit Pawar," the petition contended.
The combine wants the Supreme Court to hear the petition tonight itself and seeks the quashing of the Governor’s decision to invite Mr. Fadnavis to form the government.
The petition has been formally filed at 8.23 p.m. However, the a midnight hearing is unlikely as Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde is in Tirupati. Senior lawyers such as Kapil Sibal and A.M. Singhvi are also out of Delhi.
Ajit Pawar removed as NCP Legislature Party leader
The NCP announced that Sharad Pawar loyalist Jayant Patil has been elected as the party's Legislature leader. It also announced that Ajit Pawar has been removed from the post.
The NCP statement removing Ajit Pawar as Legislature Party leader.
The resolution passed at the meeting also says that Mr. Ajit Pawar’s right to issue a whip were also revoked. The party has also authorised Mr. Sharad Pawar and Mr. Jayant Patil to decide its stand in light of the developments. NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik says the list of NCP MLAs submitted by Mr. Ajit Pawar to the Governor before taking oath was actually a letter signed by the party MLAs when they had attended a meeting earlier.
Some of the MLAs, who were present with Ajit Pawar during the oath-taking ceremony, later pledged their loyalty to Mr. Sharad Pawar.
Meanwhile, sources say Mr. Ajit Pawar’s primary membership of the party remains intact. “Efforts are on to convince him to return to the party’s fold,” the sources add.
Ajit Pawar is under tremendous pressure, says Sanjay Raut
"Ajit Pawar will not do this unless there is tremendous pressure," said senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.
"They (BJP and Ajit Pawar) do not have majority. Even today, we (Sena, Congress, NCP) have majority," said Mr. Raut
Shiv Sena approaches Supreme Court
After Shiv Sena was sidelined by BJP on Saturday morning, it filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a direction to hold a floor test on November 24.
The party has filed a plea stating Maharashtra Governor's action was arbitrary and malafide in action in 'purportedly inviting' the State BJP led Devendra Fadnavis to form the Government and allow Mr. Fadnavis to take oath as CM.
The petition reads, "He (Mr. Fadnavis) is well short of majority mark of 145 in State Assembly by 40 MLAs and had on November 10 turned down the Governor's invitation to form a Government for lack of numbers, despite having ample time to garner support."
The party has urged the court to issue directions in terms of summoning a special session of the 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly with the only agenda of administering oath of the MLAs by holding a floor test. -- Sonam Saiga l
Dhananjay Munde attends NCP Legislature Party meeting
Dhananjay Munde, who is rumoured to be the bridge between NCP’s Ajit Pawar and the BJP, reaches YB Chavan centre to attend the NCP Legislature Party meeting. — reports Alok Deshpande
Revoking of President's Rule valid, say experts
The President decides to revoke President's Rule only after getting a recommendation from the Cabinet. However, the Cabinet didn't meet yesterday or today. Is this legally valid?
Yes, according to experts. Rule 12 of Transaction of Business Rules, 1961 was invoked this morning.
According to the Rules, "The Prime Minister may, in any case or classes of cases permit or condone a departure from these rules, to the extent he deems necessary," a senior government official told The Hindu . - reports Vijaita Singh
BJP formed govt with support of 170 MLAs: Mungantiwar
The BJP in Maharashtra has support of 170 MLAs in the 288-member House, senior party leader Sudhir Mungantiwar claimed in Chandipur.
“Ajit Pawar is the NCP legislature party leader and it means everyone has given support to the BJP”, Mr. Mungantiwar said amidst confusion over the exact number of MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supporting the fledgling government.
“The BJP and its ally were given a clear mandate but the ally disrespected it. In order to respect the mandate given to us, we formed a government today with the support of 170 MLAs,” Mr. Mungantiwar, who represents Ballarshah seat, told reporters at his office. — PTI
We will give a stable government in Maharashtra, says Devendra Fadnavis
After being sworn-in as the Chief Minister once again, Devendra Fadnavis held a press conference.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi we have once again managed to install a BJP-led government in the State," he says.
"I welcome Ajit Pawar and his MLAs into our government. We will give a stable government to the people of Maharashtra for the next five years and work for poor and farmers.
"It is a fact we have lost one friend (Sena) but found another in (Ajit Pawar). I want to assure people of state as long as Mr. Modi is there we will have a stable government in Maharashtra."
November 23 shall go down as black chapter of Indian history, says Surjewala
At a press conference, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewal said "November 23 shall go down in history of India as a black chapter when an illegitimate government was constituted at the instance of an Home Minister who considers constitution as his personal instrument, after scaring Ajit Pawar about jail."
Mr. Surjewala also said "They have betrayed people of Maharashtra."
He said "Prior to the elctions Devendra Fadanavis said that Ajit Pawar will be sent to Arthur Road jail for Rs 72000 crore scam. Instead they sent him to Maharashtra secretariat as deputy Chief Minister. That's why they say "Modi hai toh Mumkin hai".
Mr. Surjewala said "In history of independent India when at the dead of night constitution was throttled, rule of law was mowed."
He said "Governor acted as a hitman for Home Minister Amit Shah to sell the mandate of people."
Mr. Surjewala said "Sharad Pawar has already cleared his stand. After his clarification there is no scope of doubt. Till today the NCP has not been split as per the laid down laws."
He said "Shiv sena approached us on November 11, Congress has been the quickest to ensure that this alliance should be constituted. Whenever Mr Pawar held a meeting Congress representative was present. There was expeditious action despite initial reservations on day one."
BJP will prove the majority: Ravi Shankar Prasad
Defending BJP's move to join hands with Ajit Pawar, BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad blamed the NCP and Congress for the mess in Maharashtra.
The NCP and Congress were trying to capture the financial capital, Mr. Prasad said adding that the BJP had the people's mandate to form the government since it was the largest legislature party in the State.
Mr. Prasad said they had the numbers and will prove it in the floor of the House, without saying how many MLAs supported the government.
Who is Dhananjay Munde?
The name of Dhananjay Munde came into the picture after three NCP MLAs, who attended the swearing-in ceremony told mediapersons they were ferried to Raj Bhavan from Mr. Munde's bungalow.
Rajendra Shingne, the NCP MLA who was present at the early-morning swearing-in ceremony, where BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the State, claimed he was not aware of the developments.
"We were called at Dhananjay Munde bungalow by Ajit Pawar today morning. We were asked to come with him to Raj Bhavan and the swearing-in ceremony started. We were hurt. I have no intention to betray Sharad Pawar," Mr. Shingne said. NCP MLAs Sandeep Kshirsagar and Sunil Bhusara too said they were with Mr. Sharad Pawar.
Dhananjay Munde is an NCP leader and an MLA from Parli constituency. He is the nephew of the late veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister Gopinath Munde. He joined the NCP in 2012 after quitting the BJP.
Mr. Munde is the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative Council. In the recently conculed Maharashtra Assembly elections he defeated his cousin Pankaja by over 30,000 votes.
Ajit Pawar was blackmailed into joining hands with BJP: Raut
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that NCP’s Ajit Pawar was “blackmailed” into joining hands with the BJP to form government in Maharashtra.
Of the eight MLAs who had gone with Ajit Pawar to Raj Bhavan, five have come back. They were told a lie, put into a car, almost like a kidnapping, the Shiv Sena leader said.
“NCP leader Dhananjay Munde has been contacted. Ajit Pawar may also return (to NCP fold). We have information how Ajit Pawar has been blackmailed and will expose this soon,” Mr. Raut told reporters.
Munde, who is said to have been in touch with Fadnavis since the last few days, had gone incommunicado.
Sharad Pawar should join NDA, will be rewarded: Athawale
Squarely blaming the Shiv Sena for the dramatic turn of events in Maharashtra, Union minister Ramdas Athawale urged NCP chief Sharad Pawar to walk over to the NDA camp, hinting that he might be rewarded with a plum portfolio at the Centre.
“Sharad Pawar, too, should consider revising his stance and joining the NDA. He may get some good portfolio at the Centre,” Mr. Athawale said when asked about the difficulty the NCP faction headed by Ajit Pawar might face in engineering a split before the floor test.
Mr. Athawale, who heads the RPI a Maharasthra-based pro-Dalit outfit is the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in the Narendra Modi government.
Disgusting, says DMK
The opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu on Saturday described the political developments in Maharashtra, where BJP formed government with the support of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar, as “disgusting.”
“What can one call the politically disgusting (development) in Maharashtra... is it indecency or ugliness..what can it be compared with,” the DMK leader M.K. Stalin said in a Facebook post.
“One feels even calling this a murder of democracy will become an understatement--if it will minimise the gravity of the situation... The face of Indian democracy has been blackened. This is a big shame,” he added.
We will tackle it politically and legally, says Ahmed Patel
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who has rushed to Mumbai, told the media that his party is with NCP and Shiv Sena.
Condemning the government formation and calling it "anti-democratic," Mr. Patel said: "The secret swearing in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis shows that something is wrong in this. This is anti-constitutional."
"The process of government formation in Maharashtra with Congress , NCP and Sena was in progress. The talks between Cong and NcP were positive. Even the three party meet yesterday was positive as well.
"All three parties are together. We will defeat the BJP and those who are forming the govt with the BJP," he added.
NCP Legislature Party will be meeting at 4 pm.
Show your strength by taking to the streets, Digvijaya to NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena combine
The Shiv Sena, the NCP and the Congress should show their strength by taking to the streets, Congress MP and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has said.
"Let's see who the people of Maharashtra are with. This is a question of existence for all the three parties. Especially, it's a matter of prestige for the Thackeray family," he tweeted.
Mr. Singh asked the Maharashtra Governor if he had received a letter of support from the NCP. "The Governor should have asked the NCP MLAs to take oath only after receiving a letter from the NCP president Jayant Patil," he said.
We don't play night games: Thackeray
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar during a press meet in Mumbai on Saturday.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray says, "this is shameful what is happening in the name of democracy."
We don't play night games. We don't split parties, Mr. Thackeray says.
This is a surgical strike on Maharashtra. We will not tolerate. We are together and we will remain together, he adds.
I don't think elections are even needed. Everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back, Mr. Thackeray says.
They don't have the numbers: Sharad Pawar
In a joint press conference with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, NCP chief Sharad Pawar says the new government won't be able to prove its majority. "They don't have the numbers."
"Ajit Pawar has taken two lists of MLAs from party office claiming those were support letters. Those signs were for party's internal programme. It had nothing to do with govt formation," the senior Pawar says.
"If this has been done, then the Governor too has been duped," he adds.
We are together, we will remain so. We are ready to face any difficulty. We will face it collectively, Mr. Pawar says.
No intention to hurt NCP, says party MLA who took part in swearing-in ceremony
Rajendra Shingne, the NCP MALS who was with Ajit Pawar has came to Sharad Pawar's press meet.
"We were called at Dhananjay Munde bungalow by Ajit Pawar today morning. We were asked to come with them to Raj Bhavan and the swearing in ceremony started. We were hurt. I have no intention to betray Sharad Pawar. I am with NCP," Mr. Shingne.
Party was not aware of Ajit's decision: Sharad Pawar
NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray are addressing a joint press meet at Y.C. Chavan Centre.
Mr. Pawar says:
"Some members of NCP had gone with Ajit Pawar to Raj Bhavan without informing us or the party, but one of the MLAs called us up and informed us this was happening.
"This decision to go to Raj Bhavan was Ajit Pawar's own decision and those who went with him may or may not be aware of the law related to defecting.
"Whatever happens from here, it would be hard for the BJP government to prove majority on the floor. We are together and we remain together with Shiv Sena from here."
Political immorality of the BJP has reached its nadir: CPI (M)
The political immorality of the BJP has reached its nadir the CPI(M) said reacting sharply to the developments in Maharashtra.
"The clandestine manner in which the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra have been sworn in shows the extent to which the BJP can stoop to grab power,"the CPI(M) Polit Bureau said in a statement.
BJP did similar political machinations, the party said, in Goa, Karnataka and north eastern states.
"It is unfortunate that both the Constitutional authorities – President’s office and the Governor’s office – have been misused to achieve their political purpose," the statement added.
OPS greets Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
AIADMK Coordinator and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam greeted BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s Ajit Pawar for taking over as Chief Minister and Deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.
“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 (NDA).
Sena-NCP-Congress alliance intact, says Nawab Malik
The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance is intact, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said on Saturday, hours after his party’s legislature unit leader Ajit Pawar joined hands with the BJP to form government in Maharashtra.
Malik said some MLAs were deluded into attending the ceremony in which Mr. Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy CM, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“Many of those MLAs who were deluded into attending the oath taking ceremony met Sharad Pawar saheb and will be present in his Press conference here later today,” Mr. Malik said.
“The Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP MLAs are together,” Mr. Malik told reporters.
Kerala NCP says it is with Sharad Pawar
Meanwhile, the Kerala unit of NCP has said it is with Sharad Pawar.
“We Kerala leaders and workers of NCP stand solidly behind Sharad Pawar-ji,” NCP All India General Secretary T.P. Peethambaran Master.
Senior NCP leader and Kerala MLA Mani C Kappen urged the central leadership to initiate steps to disqualify Ajit Pawar and his supporters on the basis of anti-defection law.
The NCP is part of ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala. - PTI
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has left from Matoshree in Mumbai. He will be meeting NCP chief Sharad Pawar and both the leaders are expected to address a joint press meet at Y B Chavan Centre.
NCP MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule arrives at Y.B. Chavan centre at Nariman point in Mumbai.
NCP leader Supriya Sule arrives at the Y.B. Chavan centre in Mumbai
Unexpected, says Eknath Shinde
Shiv Sena legislative party leader Eknath Shinde said said that the party will reveal its position at 12.30 p.m.
"This was unexpected," he said, adding that nobody knew about the development.
"Uddhav Thackeray will mention Shiv Sena's position at 12.30 p.m.," he said.
Fadnavis thanks PM Modi
Newly sworn-in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "guidance and leadership."
"Thank you so much Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji.Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take Maharashtra to newer and greater heights," he wrote on Twitter.
Illegitimate formation, says Ahmed Patel
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel referred to the government as an "illegitimate formation."
"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," he wrote on Twitter.
Ashok Gehlot questions morality of revoking President’s rule, Maharashtra govt formation
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot questioned the morality of revoking the President’s rule and swearing-in of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra.
Mr. Gehlot said both the CM and Deputy CM were “guilt conscious” and raised doubt whether they would be able to deliver good governance.
Referring to the political development in Maharashtra, Mr. Gehlot asked what morality was there in the sudden revocation of President’s rule and such swearing-in.
“Which direction are they taking democracy to?” Mr. Gehlot asked on Twitter, adding that people would teach a lesson to the BJP on an appropriate time.
Mr. Gehlot said he was doubtful whether Devendra Fadnavis would be successful as a CM and deliver good governance, adding that the people of Maharashtra would suffer. — PTI
Adityanath congratulates Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar on Maha govt formation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
In a tweet, Mr. Adityanath congratulated them and expressed confidence that “under the leadership of Sri Devendra Fadnavis ji and Sri Ajit Pawar ji, Maharashtra will be on the path of development.” — PTI
We have the numbers: BJP leader Girish Mahajan
BJP leader and former Minister Girish Mahajan said that the government has clear support from several NCP leaders.
"We have a clear support from several NCP leaders and MLAs, and our numbers are beyond 170. Ajit Pawar is the leader of NCP's legislative party, he came with his supporters and things would be clear soon," he said.
As many 15 MLAs were present with Ajit Pawar during the oath taking ceremony, he said.
He blamed Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut for the developments.
"The BJP and our leaders blame Sanjay Raut for these developments in the State and we will not forget the language he has used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is responsible for this mess between BJP and Shiv Sena," he said.
He blamed Mr. Raut for "cheating the the party leaders."
"Sanjay Raut has cheated even party leaders like Uddhav Thackeray. We are fed up of his language and tone during the past few days. Enough is enough," said Mr. Mahajan. — as reported by Sharad Vyas
Betrayal of people's mandate, says Congress
Meanwhile, Congress termed the move as a "betrayal" of people's mandate.
"This is backstabbing. What else can you expect from them (NCP)," said a senior Congress leader. The leader said that another meeting was due at 12.30 p.m. today.
AICC Secretary Sanjay Dutt said that the role of Governor has come under scanner.
"The role of Governor Shri B.S. Koshyari has again come under the scanner for the hush-hush manner BJP CM was sworn in. While he refused to extend time to other parties, BJP wasn't even asked to show proof of majority, before swearing-in. It is invitation to horse-trading," he said.
The party is expected to address the media at 11.30 a.m. — as reported by Sandeep Phukan
Sena did not respect people's mandate: BJP State president
BJP State president Chandrakant Patil blamed the suprise move on Sena's indecision.
"BJP and Shiv Sena had a clear mandate but Sena did not respect it. People of this State have watched what went on between the three parties even as farmers were suffering. So Mr. Fadnavis was compelled to take the oath," he said.
"I am surprised Sanjay Raut is talking the tone he is talking, he has hurt the State the most," he added. — as reported by Sharad Vyas
Ajit Pawar cheated his uncle and the voters: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said that Ajit Pawar has "cheated" both his uncle and the voters.
"Ajit Pawar was with us all night in the meeting, but his body language was suspicious. He stepped out of the meeting and his phone was switched off," said Mr. Raut.
"Sharad Pawar has nothing to do with this, and I can say that with confidence. Ajit Pawar has cheated not only the voters of the State but even his own uncle," he said.
"The BJP is behind this. More than NCP's split, it is the BJP which has lured the NCP leader and MLAs using unconstitutional means," he added.
Mr. Raut added that the one who can cheat his own uncle will never be forgiven by the people of the State. "The people of the state are watching how money and power was used to effect this coup and this is nothing less than a crime," he said.
The Shiv Sena leader also criticised the Governor. "We though that the Governor came here to protect law and order, but instead he administered oath to BJP leaders keeping people of the State in dark," said Mr. Raut. — as reported by Sharad Vyas
Ajit Pawar's personal decision without our support: Sharad Pawar
Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has denied any role in the events that transpired.
"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," he said. — as reported by Sharad Vyas
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar arrives at Sharad Pawar's residence
How long can State like Maharashtra be under President’s Rule, asks Fadnavis
Speaking to the media after the surprise swearing-in, Mr. Fadnavis said that the people of Maharashtra had given a clear mandate to the pre-poll alliance of the BJP and Shiv Sena, but that had not been honoured.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis' family during the oath-taking ceremony at Raj Bhavan.
“How long can a State like Maharashtra be under President’s Rule? I would like to express my gratitude to NCP's Ajit Pawar ji, he took this decision to give a stable government to Maharashtra & come together with BJP. Some other leaders also came with us and we staked claim to form government,” he said.
A senior BJP leader told The Hindu that Mr. Ajit Pawar was the leader of the NCP legislative party and the entire legislative party was with the BJP in government formation. — as reported by Nistula Hebbar
President's rule revoked at 5.47 am
President Ram Nath Kovind has revoked the proclamation imposing President's rule in Maharashtra at 5.47 am.
In a notification issued early on Saturday signed by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Central rule was revoked.
Screenshot of the gazette notification regarding the decision to revoke President's rule in Maharashtra
"In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 356 of the Constitution, I, Ram Nath Kovind, President of India hereby revoke the Proclamation issued by me under the said article on the 12th day of November, 2019, in relation to the State of Maharashtra with effect from the 23rd day of November, 2019," the notification said.
The notification was digitally signed by the concerned official at 5.47 a.m. on Saturday before being uploaded on the official gazette portal- egazette.nic.in.
An official said that a notification can only be digitally signed once the physical copy has been signed by the President of India. The timeline suggests that the Union Home Ministry worked overnight to prepare the notification and the President signed it before 5.47 a.m. on Saturday.
Last time when the proclamation imposing Central rule was issued, home ministry officials waited for Mr. Kovind to return from Punjab. After he signed the proclamation, Central rule was formally imposed at around 5.30 p.m. on November 12 even though the Governor sent a report around 12 noon the same day recommending Central rule. — as reported by Vijaita Singh
New Maha govt will be committed to state’s development & welfare: Amit Shah
BJP president and Union Minister Amit Shah on Saturday expressed confidence that the new Maharashtra government under Devendra Fadnavis will scale new heights of development.
Mr. Shah tweeted his congratulation to Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar after the oath-taking ceremony.
“Hearty congratulations to Shri @Dev_Fadnavis ji on taking oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Shri @AjitPawarSpeaks as Deputy Chief Minister of the State," Mr. Shah wrote.
“I am confident that this government will be continuously committed to the development and welfare of Maharashtra and will set new standards of progress in the State,” he added.
BJP working president J.P. Nadda also congratulated Mr. Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
“I Congratulate @Dev_Fadnavis Ji and @AjitPawarSpeaks Ji on taking oath as the CM and Deputy CM of Maharashtra respectively. I am sure that under the guidance of Hon PM @narendramodi Ji, BJP-NCP Gov will take Maharashtra to newer heights,” he wrote. - PTI
PM Modi congratulates Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for taking oath as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra respectively.
In a tweet, he expressed confidence that the two will work for Maharashtra’s development. - PTI
