Ajit Pawar has backing of 40 MLAs, is a split within the NCP imminent

The developments in Maharashtra are hotting up with claims that 40 MLAs are backing Ajit Pawar, the nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

The senior Pawar has however dismissed his nephew's next political move. There is intense speculation in Maharashtra that Ajit Pawar is meeting with MLAs and also about his growing proximity with the BJP.

"There is no importance of the discussions. The reports have no meaning. I can say about the NCP that all our colleagues are of one thinking and that is how to make the party stronger. There is no other thought in anyone's mind about it, Sharad Pawar told reporters.

Report had earlier said that Ajit Pawar was making efforts to become Eknath Shinde's successor as chief minister, with an alliance with the BJP. It was also reported that Pawar was collecting consent signatures from his lawmakers in the party.

"Around 40 of the 53 NCP MLAs have given their consent signatures far. The list will be presented to the Governor when the time comes," said an Indian Express report.

The report also said that Ajit Pawar was personally calling up the NCP MLAs, but added that Sharad Pawar did not make any counter move as yet.

In 2019, after Ajit Pawar briefly formed the government with the BJP, Sharad Pawar was in over-drive mode and called his MLAs and pacified them to stay back.

Meanwhile two MLAs, Anna Bansode and Manikrao Kokate have said that they would remain loyal to Ajit Pawar. Bansode told news channel TV9 Marathi that he has extended his full support to Ajit Pawar. I am still loyal to him and will stand by him in whatever decision he may take.

The Maha Vikas Agdhadi (MVA) which comprised the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress has rejected reports of an NCP meet being called in Mumbai. None have called for such a meeting, the MVA said while adding Ajit Pawar is busy with some election world.

"These are baseless rumours. I spoke with Ajit Pawar and other NCP leaders this morning. If those spreading rumours think they can weaken the MVA by resorting to such ploys, then they are mistaken, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut said.