Mumbai: The meeting of NCP leader Ajit Pawar's faction at the MET Institute of Management in Bandra began amid loud roars of slogans supporting the leader after his split from party. Party's senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal addressed the workers initially giving an overview of the meeting. Bhujbal claimed the support of nearly 40 MLAs out of which around 30 were also present at the venue.
"More than 40 MLAs and MLCs are with us. We have done all the due diligence before taking the oath. We did not take the oath just like that," said Bhujbal.
Speaking on the party's foundation, Bhujbal said, "We built the NCP from scratch. The decision wasn't taken overnight." He recalled all the difficulties his party faced during its initial phase after its foundation.
Didn't Leave Party Because Of ED Cases: Chhagan Bhujbal
Bhujbal clarified that the leaders didn't leave the party following ED cases but they left the party because they wanted to save it. He also urged party's supremo Sharad Pawar to think of Maharashtra's betterment and therefore support them.
“Babasaheb Ambedkar said that we should be in power to serve people. We joined hands with the BJP in the same manner as we joined hands with Shiv Sena. This isn’t new as even Nitish Kumar, Jayalalithaa, Naveen Patnaik, and Mehbooba Mufti did the same with BJP previously and then left,” said Bhujbal on joining hands with BJP.
Ajit Pawar reached the MET Bandra earlier today for the party meeting convened for the leaders of his faction. Pawar was welcomed by a huge number of supporters on his arrival.
Praful Patel Claims Full Support From Party Workers
Earlier, NCP leader (Ajit Pawar faction) Praful Patel reached MET Bandra to attend the party meeting called by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. On the number of MLAs joining Ajit Pawar, NCP leader Praful Patel, said "We have everyone with us. There is no need to worry"
Ajit Pawar along with other party leaders unfurled the NCP flag at MET Bandra. The NCP leaders and workers were seen wearing caps and saluting the party flag showcasing their respect for the party. NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) was also seen taking affidavits from party workers to show their allegiance to Ajit Pawar's NCP, at MET Bandra.
Pawar left his residence in the morning for the meeting, with a lot of party workers raising slogans in his support. He was greeted by the party workers ahead of the big meet.
Ajit Pawar Moves EC
Ajit Pawar today moved Election Commission to stake claim on Nationalist Congress Party's name and symbol, stated reports. Speculations had been rife about his faction approaching the poll panel. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar and the group have filed a caveat saying that no decision should be taken in regards with the matter without consulting his faction.
