A split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was triggered on Sunday, July 2, after nine MLAs including Ajit Pawar joined the Maharashtra government. Fighting for his party, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday, July 5, held a meeting in Mumbai to show his strength.

Rebel MLA and newly inducted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also held a parallel meeting which was attended by 32 of the 53 NCP MLAs. He needs the support of at least 36 to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, the process of which has already begun.

According to reports, 13 MLAs, 3 MLCs, and 5 MPs attended Sharad Pawar's meeting at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai.

The 13 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are:

Anil Deshmukh

Rohit Pawar

Rajendra Shingne

Ashok Pawar

Kiran Lahmate

Prajakta Tanpure

Balasaheb Patil

Jitendra Awhad

Chetan Vithal Tupe

Jayant Patil

Rajesh Tope

Sandeep Kshirsagar

Devendra Bhuyar

Furthermore, five Members of Parliament (MPs) also attended:

Srinivas Patil

Supriya Sule

Amol Kolhe

Fauzia Khan

Vandana Chavan

The meeting also witnessed the participation of three Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) including Shashikant Shinde, Babajani Durani, and Eknath Khadse.

First Published:Jul 5, 2023 3:02 PM IST