Pankaj Tripathi

This decision comes as a major blow to veteran leader Sharad Pawar and his supporters, as it indicates a validation of the Ajit Pawar-led faction's claims to the NCP's name and symbol.

Fadnavis clarified that while Malik, as an MLA, has the right to participate in the legislature, his potential inclusion in the MahaYuti alliance could pose complications due to the allegations against him.

Addressing a rally of farmers at Kakadi village near the Shirdi pilgrimage town, Modi said -- without taking names -- that one senior leader of Maharashtra served as the Union Agriculture Minister under the then Congress government.

Ajit Pawar rushed to Pawar Sr.’s home in Silver Oaks  late on Friday, after learning that his aunt, Pratibha Sharad Pawar had undergone a surgery in her hand in a private hospital.