Maharashtra: No NCP MLA will support BJP, says Sharad Pawar

Pawar said, "Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline. No NCP leader or worker is in favor of an NCP-BJP government."

Pawar also warned the MLAs siding with the BJP-NCP alliance that they risk losing party membership, under the anti-defection law.

Separately, the Congress party—earlier expected to address the press conference alongside NCP and Sena—was missing from the presser.

Detailing the events ahead of Ajit Pawar's swearing-in, NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane said, "Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan."

Shingane added, "Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete. I rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him I am with Sharad Pawar and NCP."

Sharad Pawar said, "Parties had their MLAs list signed by all MLAs, a similar list of NCP was with Ajit Pawar, as he is CLP of NCP." He said he suspects Ajit submitted the same list during his swearing-in ceremony to prove support.

The NCP chief said he plans to raise this with the Governor, adding the BJP-NCP government wouldn't pass the floor test.

Notably, Sharad Pawar promised action against Ajit, falling short of sacking him.

Party leader Nawak Malik had also leveled cheating allegations against Ajit, who has since been removed as NCP's CLP leader.

A new NCP legislative party leader will be announced by 4pm.

Incidentally, BJP's Girish Mahajan had claimed his party has support of all NCP MLAs with Ajit's support since he's CLP leader.

To recall, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won a majority in the Maharashtra elections last month, however, debates over power-sharing led to the alliance falling apart.

As no party proved a majority in the assembly, President's rule was imposed in the state. Unsatisfied, the Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP tried to strike a three-party alliance.

However, in a last-minute turnaround, Fadnavis became Chief Minister.