NCP split: this is when final call to induct Ajit Pawar in Maha govt was taken

Ajit Pawar's move to join the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government left leaders across party lines surprised, however, the decision was not random even though discussions between Pawar and BJP were going on for sometime, Indian Express said.

The final call to induct Ajit Pawar and other NCP leaders in the Maha cabinet was taken during a meeting that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had with Amit Shah in New Delhi last week, it further said.

The CM and deputy CM came to Delhi on June 29 and discussed the situation, sources told the Indian Express.

The publication quoted a senior BJP leader as saying that the move was a part of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections strategy as the saffron party had its doubt as several smaller parties would unite to fight the 48 seats of the Lok Sabha.