Despite his wife's loss in the Lok Sabha election from Baramati, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has managed to secure the NCP's nomination for her in the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll. This decision comes as a strong response to his detractors who questioned his ability to deliver victories. The seat had been vacant for two years after NCP leader Praful Patel's resignation and if elected, Sunetra Pawar will have a four-year term. This move by Ajit Pawar has also sparked speculation about potential clashes over Baramati's development.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bye-elections in Mumbai. The bye-election was called after the resignation of former NCP leader Praful Patel, who was re-elected earlier this year. If no other contestants come forward, Sunetra Pawar could potentially win the election uncontested. Sunetra Pawar recently lost the Lok Sabha election to her sister-in-law and NCP (SCP) leader Supriya Sule.
The second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially begun with the announcement of the new Modi Cabinet 2024. While some familiar faces like Amit Shah, S Jaishankar, and Rajnath Singh retain their positions, there are also some changes and additions, with leaders like Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari taking on new roles. The newly formed government is focused on the agriculture sector and has already taken its first step by releasing funds for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. However, there seems to be tension within the coalition as the Nationalist Congress Party declined to accept the BJP's offer for Praful Patel to be a Minister of State, indicating potential challenges ahead.
Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) offer of the Minister of State with Independent Charge portfolio for his colleague Praful Patel, citing that Patel had previously served as a cabinet minister in the central government. Pawar stated that they would wait for a cabinet ministry instead, given that their ranks are expected to grow with the entrance of new Rajya Sabha members. The rejection came after the NDA's poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, with NCP winning only one seat while BJP and Shiv Sena secured 9 and 7 respectively. NCP's Sharad Pawar leader Rohit Pawar also commented on the rejection, stating that those who ally with BJP see a decrease in their power.
The NCP, part of the NDA alliance, expressed disappointment over being offered a Minister of State with independent charge position in the new Modi government, which was perceived as a 'demotion' by party leader Praful Patel. In response, the party has informed the BJP leadership and have been assured to wait for a few days while they take remedial measures. However, NCP chief Ajit Pawar emphasised that they still desire a cabinet ministry and will attend the swearing-in ceremony today.
Amidst the excitement of monsoon's early arrival and heavy rainfall in Mumbai and nearby areas, NCP leader Praful Patel reveals that he refused a lesser position of Minister of State with independent charge in the upcoming Modi 3.0 Cabinet. This move has caused some internal tension, with party member Sunil Tatkare also not receiving a Cabinet berth. However, other Maharashtra politicians, such as BJP's Nitin Gadkari, are set to take oath as Union Ministers. This comes as aviation regulator DGCA launches a probe into the incident at Mumbai's airport when an IndiGo plane landed and an Air India aircraft took off from the same runway in succession. With a diverse political background and a reputation for infrastructure-oriented development, Gadkari's appointment as Union Minister is being closely watched.
After facing scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate, NCP leader Praful Patel finally received a major relief when a Mumbai Tribunal quashed the agency's order to attach his properties worth over Rs. 180 crore. However, the decision was met with criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the BJP, PM Modi and Amit Shah of orchestrating the move. The ED had alleged that Patel's properties were acquired illegally from the widow of an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, but the tribunal rejected this claim and stated that the properties were not involved in money laundering.
In a major relief for Praful Patel, a court in Mumbai has overturned an order by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to attach his properties worth over Rs 180 crore. The properties were allegedly acquired illegally from the widow of a notorious drug lord and close associate of Dawood Ibrahim. Rejecting the ED's action, the court stated that the properties were not connected to money laundering and were wrongfully targeted.
The Election Commission of India has declared the dates for Rajya Sabha polls in Kerala and Maharashtra, with elections taking place on June 25. This comes as the term of office for three Kerala members of Rajya Sabha is set to expire in July 2024. A bypoll for the Council of States from Maharashtra will also be held on the same date, following the resignation of former Union Minister, Praful Patel. The important dates for the upcoming elections have also been listed, with polling set to take place from 9 am to 4 pm on June 25. Stay updated with the latest election news on Manorama Online App.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a closure report in an alleged case of corruption during the tenure of Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Praful Patel as Civil Aviation Minister. The case was registered in May 2017 following a Supreme Court order and the report was filed before a designated special court. The case alleges leasing of aircraft without proper strategy and resulted in a loss of ₹840 crore.