MUMBAI: A political coup was witnessed in Maharashtra. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has split. NCP leader and former opposition leader Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy chief minister and becomes a part of the BJP Government. He will share the post along with BJP’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Along with Ajit Pawar, nine MLAs took oath as ministers and became part of the Eknath Shinde government. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Senior NCP leader Praful Patel also attended the function. Close sources said Ajit Pawar has the support of 43 out of 53 NCP MLAs. The move comes after he publicly stated that he has no interest in continuing as the opposition leader.

Ajit Pawar left the party after splitting the NCP a year after Eknath Shinde joined the BJP with 40 MLAs after splitting the Shiv Sena. Ajit Pawar has joined the BJP government along with prominent members of the previous cabinet.

NCP MLAs held a meeting at Ajit Pawar's residence in Mumbai this morning. NCP working president Supriya Sule and senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal also attended the meeting. Meantime, Sharad Pawar told the media that he was unaware of the meeting.