Mumbai, November 24: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday claimed that 50 legislators are with Sharad Pawar-led party. Mumbai NCP President Nawab Malik also claimed that his party is in constant touch with four MLAs who are with the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). Speaking to reporters, Malik exuded confidence that the remaining four MLAs would also support the NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress alliance. Sharad Pawar Says 8-11 NCP MLAs Hoodwinked to Attend Swearing-in Ceremony of Ajit Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray Hits Out at BJP.

The NCP leader said, “Nawab Malik, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): 50 MLAs are with us, but not everyone is at the hotel, 4 MLAs who are kept somewhere by BJP people, are in constant touch with us and will definitely come back.” Maharashtra Political Twist: Ajit Pawar Remains Firm on His Stand of Supporting BJP, Calls Sharad Pawar His 'Leader'.

Nawab Malik's Statement:

Meanwhile, NCP MLA Dilip Bankar, who was reportedly present at the swearing-in ceremony of Ajit Pawar extended support to the Sharad Pawar camp. Bankar said, “I have always been with Pawar sa'ab (Sharad Pawar). I met him and told him that my child was ill, I had to go to Nashik, so I couldn't come to meeting yesterday. We're supporting NCP, and not BJP.” Reports also surfaced that the NCP will  move its MLAs to Hotel Hyatt in Mumbai , due to security reasons. Currently, the legislators are lodged in Hotel Renaissance.

Ajit Pawar, who extended support to the BJP, on Sunday, claimed that the BJP-NCP alliance would form a stable government in Maharashtra. Earlier in the day, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister also thanked PM Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message. In a tweet, Ajit not only lauded NCP chief Sharad Pawar but also said that he is still part of the party. However, Malik said that he did not know if Ajit Pawar is tweeting on his own or under any pressure. On Sunday, three more legislators of the NCP returned to Sharad Pawar’s camp.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2019 07:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).