Mumbai, November 27: NCP party veteran Ajit Pawar, who signalled a rebellion against his uncle Sharad Pawar four days ago, returned back to the party fold on Thursday. Signalling a thaw, Ajit greeted his cousin sister and Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule outside the Maharashtra assembly. On being confronted by reporters, he refused to have ever left the party. Maharashtra Done, Shiv Sena Hints at Taking Fight Against BJP to the Centre.

Ajit had, on Saturday, attempted to throw a spanner in the formation of "Maha Vikas Aghadi" government in Maharashtra by joining hands with the BJP. In an unprecedented series of events, the President's rule was revoked that morning at 5:47 am, followed by the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister and Ajit as Deputy CM at 8:05 am.

The Ajit-Fadnavis tie-up failed to yield results as NCP MLAs en-masse sided with Sharad Pawar, the party supremo. The three legislators who were part of the Ajit camp also returned by Monday evening.

On Tuesday, Ajit resigned from the post of Deputy CM after the Supreme Court ordered a floor test in the Maharashtra assembly. Shortly after him, Fadnavis also ended his 80-hour stint as the Chief Minister.

Update by ANI

"I have already said that I was with NCP and I am with NCP. Have they expelled me? Have you heard or read this anywhere? I am still with NCP," he said.

Sharad Pawar had on Saturday stripped Ajit from the post of NCP legislative party leader, but refrained from expelling him. The rebel nephew was subsequently reached out by several NCP veterans in bid to bring him back.

The talks frutified on Tuesday evening, when Ajit met his uncle Sharad Pawar and reportedly expressed his will to return back. Sena, the alliance partner of NCP, also softened its stance against Ajit. Two days after calling him a "gaddar (betrayer)", senior party leader Sanjay Raut said "Ajit dada is welcome to join back".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 27, 2019 12:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).