MUMBAI: Ajit Pawar, who split the NCP and joined the Shinde-BJP government in Maharashtra, has announced the new state president as well. The claim is that his side is the official one. Meanwhile, National President Sharad Pawar, who expelled the dissidents, announced a state tour seeking public support. Appointments and dismissals on both sides took place yesterday.

Sharad Pawar filed a complaint to Speaker Rahul Narvekar demanding the disqualification of all the 9 people who joined the cabinet yesterday. MPs Praful Patel and Sunil Dattatray Tatkare were expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities. Election Commission was also approached saying that party members are with them. State President Jayant Patil has been appointed as Chief Whip and Jitendra Awhad as the Leader of Opposition.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar was relieved that MP Amol Kolhe, who was on the dissident side, returned. Efforts are also being made to persuade the MLAs who are with Ajith. Kolhe tweeted that he came back in the name of conscience.

Tatkare is the president

Ajit's side is planning to retain Sharad Pawar as the national president and appoint new office bearers. Sunil Tatkare was appointed as the state president and Anil Bhaidas Patil as the chief whip of the assembly. Ajith was elected as the leader of the assembly party. The Speaker has been asked to cancel the process of appointing Jayant Patel as Chief Whip and Jitendra as Leader of the Opposition by Sharad Pawar.

Praful Patel said that Tatkare will have the power to make organizational changes and Sharad Pawar should bless from the position of a teacher. Sunil Tatkare has called a meeting of MLAs and Zilla Parishad leaders. This is in a situation where the other party has called a meeting.

Congress in resentment

Congress, which claims the leadership of the opposition due to the split of the NCP, is upset with Sharad Pawar's appointment of Jitendra as the leader of the opposition. The leaders said that the appointment was made without consulting them. Congress is currently the largest opposition party with 45 seats.

Will not get tired because of the dissident move. The party will be redeemed. BJP creates rifts on caste and religion. Party workers should not despair. All will return when the time is right

- Sharad Pawar