Praful Patel says all NCP MLAs wanted to be part of Maharashtra govt after Eknath Shinde's rebellion

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ANI. Praful Patel was sacked by Sharad Pawar on Monday after he was seen attending the swearing-in ceremony of Ajit Pawar, who took the oath of Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday.

Sharad Pawar said that Praful Patel's name was removed from the list of NCP members as he was seen indulging in “anti-party activities." "I wish politics doesn't come in the way of the family relationship, I wish Pawar family very well and I also consider myself as an extended part of the Pawar family...we can only appeal to Sharad Pawar to accept this...he can take his own decision according to what he thinks is the best," he added.   In what is termed a faceoff between the Pawars, both Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar have called a meeting of NCP MPs, MLAs, and other functionaries on 5 July at different locations.

The move is expected to clear some air on the controlling leaders of the party. Furthermore, Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar refused to acknowledge the split in NCP and said he is yet to receive any such petition.

“There is no split in the party. None of the sides have claimed there is a split, so there is no question of deciding a number game.

Will have to decide whether NCP is part of government or Opposition and who represents it," the Speaker told CNN-News18. (With agency inputs)