Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

"Democracy is under attack from the BJP. We must all unitedly safeguard it. Efforts are being made to deprive the rights of governments elected by the people and create hurdles for them. We shall fully support the AAP's fight in parliament," declared Pawar after his half-hour meeting with Kejriwal-Mann and other leaders.

NCP National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto called upon the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to act on the matter on priority now that the Supreme Court verdict is out. "Narwekar should take a non-partisan and quick decision to solve the issue... If not, then the delay in taking the decision might raise questions on the Constitutional position of the Speaker," Crasto pointed out.

State NCP President Jayant Patil said though it is not proper to comment on the Governor's actions, previous Governor Koshyari was doing this round-the-clock from the day one after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena came to power in November 2019.

"What we decide in our party is our internal matter... Our colleagues know how our party will move forward and we are satisfied with what we are achieving. They (Saamana Group) have a right to write and criticise, we don't consider it important from our viewpoint," declared Pawar in a direct snub at Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.

Accorded a hero's welcome with garlands, bouquets and shawls by the constituents and party workers, a relaxed Pawar admitted that he had given a hint to Ajit Pawar of his plans (to step down as NCP chief), which had created a major political upheaval in the party and outside from May 2. However, his (Ajit's) image is being.

"I am overwhelmed with the love, trust and faith showered on me. Considering the appeals made by all of you and honouring the decision of the Committee constituted by the party, I am withdrawing my decision to retire," said Sharad Pawar amid a thunderous round of applause.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the special panel set up by Pawar to name his successor after his dramatic announcement on Tuesday to step down.The panel's decision on the two resolutions -- rejecting the resignation and urging him to continue as party chief -- will be conveyed to Pawar for his final call in the matter. Top NCP leaders like Praful Patel and Ajit Pawar will make the official announcement on the developments later this afternoon.

Coming down specially to meet the protesting NCP activists outside the Y.B. Chavan Memorial Auditorium, he said that he has the highest regards for the sentiments of his party workers. "I respect your emotions... I should have discussed my plans with all of you. But I knew you wouldn't have permitted me to take the decision," said Pawar.

The Imperial Census, first conducted by the British Government in 1871-72 for the entire population, and later periodically undertaken, has always included general questions based on caste-religions. However, the first loose Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) was taken up by the British in 1881 -- over 140 years ago.

"There is no such proposal, either oral or in writing from anyone... When this does not concern us or him (Ajit Pawar), why should there be such speculative reports," BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. However, he said that anybody who is ready to accept the BJP's ideology is welcome to join the party, though ally and CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena leaders had aired differing views.