Secretive Defections: NCP Passes Resolution Against Ajit Pawar, 8 others

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday passed a resolution against Ajit Pawar and 8 other MLAs who rebelled against the party and took oath as Ministers in Maharastra Cabinet.

"These defections were done in such a secretive manner, without the knowledge or consent of the Party President, amounts to the desertion of the party which in turn invites disqualification," it read.

"These actions of the nine MLAs call for immediate disqualification as not only are such defections ipso facto seriously damaging to the party but also that if allowed to continue as members, there is a very real likelihood that they will continue to try and undermine the interests of the party," it added.

The fact that these defections were done in such a secretive manner, "without the knowledge or consent of the party president", amounts to the desertion of the party which in turn invites disqualification, it said.

"We take cognisance of the same and direct appropriate steps may be taken in accordance with the party constitution and rules as also the tenth schedule of the Constitution of India. As per the procedure, party president Sharad Pawar has been informed and consulted for the same," the resolution said.