Pawar v Pawar, the numbers game: Who is in Ajit's camp? Who remains with Sharad?

Jul 06, 2023 11:48 AM IST

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The ongoing power struggle within the party has now boiled down to a question of numbers.

The political turmoil in Maharashtra continues with the rebellion growing stronger against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar whose party has now sought the disqualification against the nine NCP MLAs, including his nephew Ajit Pawar, who joined the BJP-Sena government.

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The ongoing power struggle within the party has now boiled down to a question of numbers. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar appeared to be ahead in number game with more NCP MLAs supporting him than his uncle Sharad as the warring factions held their separate meetings on Wednesday to show their strength, escalating the battle between them to control the outfit.

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As many as 32 of the 53 NCP MLAs attended the meeting called by the Ajit Pawar group, while 15 MLAs were present at the conclave addressed by the NCP chief, sources in both factions said.

Addressing separate meetings, their first after the July 2 split in the 24-year-old party, Sharad Pawar criticised his nephew Ajit Pawar for joining the Shiv Sena-BJP government as they took jibe at each other over the former's age and use of his photo.