12 NCP MLAs upset with Uddhav govt in touch with BJP; eyeing switch by end-August: Sources

In a massive development in Maharashtra politics, Republic TV sources have said that 12 MLAs of NCP are in touch with Opposition BJP and are likely to join party by end of this month. A majority of se MLAs are from Western Maharashtra and are in touch with BJP central leership, sources ded.

NCP MLAs are from Ajit Pawar camp

Sources said that MLAs are not happy with way Maharashtra Vikas Aghi government is functioning. se MLAs are said to be same ones who supported Maharashtra Deputy CM and senior party leer Ajit Pawar when he formed short-lived government in 2019 along with BJP's Devendra Fnavis.

Last month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray dared opposition to topple his government and said though it is a "three-wheeler" government, he is firmly in control of its steering wheel. Thackeray, who is also president of Shiv Sena, said his alliance partners - NCP and Congress - are "positive" and Maha Vikas Aghi (MVA) government is benefitting from ir experience.

Uddhav dares Opposition

" future of my government is not in hands of opposition. steering is in my hands. A three-wheeler (auto-rickshaw) is a vehicle of poor people. or two are sitting behind," Thackeray said in second and last part of his interview published in Shiv Sena mouthpiece ''Saamana'', ahe of his 60th birthday.

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"Why wait for September-October as is being speculated. Topple government right now since you get pleasure in toppling. Some people derive pleasure in constructive work while some are happy in destruction. If you feel happy in destruction, go ahe," he said.

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"You say MVA government is formed against democratic principles but when you topple it, is it democracy?" Chief Minister asked. Notably, his predecessor Devendra Fnavis earlier compared ruling MVA, comprising Shiv Sena and its ideological opponents Congress and NCP, with a three-wheeler, auto-rickshaw, and raised doubts over its stability.

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Even as Maharashtra Vikas Aghi (MVA) Ministers maintain that re is no rift within three parties, several contrary incidents frequently come to light. Shar Pawar h also said that 'Operation Lotus' will not be successful in Maharashtra and asserted that Maha Vikas Aghi coalition government in state will complete its tenure of five years. Interestingly, shortly after CM Uddhav's remarks, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar while wishing Shiv Sena chief on his brithday posted a photo where y are both in a vehicle but it is Pawar who is steering.

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(With agency inputs)