Sun Nov 24 14:49:32 UTC 2024: ## NCP Founder Pawar Stunned by MVA’s Crushing Defeat in Maharashtra Elections

**MUMBAI, INDIA** – Veteran politician Sharad Pawar expressed shock and disappointment Sunday following the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition’s resounding defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The MVA, comprised of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, secured a mere 46 seats, far below expectations.

Pawar, founder of the NCP, conceded that his nephew Ajit Pawar’s faction won a significant 41 seats, a stark contrast to his own faction’s dismal 10-seat performance—the party’s worst showing since its inception in 1999. He acknowledged the people’s verdict, stating, “It’s not a decision expected by us. It is the decision given by the people.” While acknowledging Ajit Pawar’s electoral success, he emphasized his own legacy, reminding voters, “Maharashtra knows who is the founder of NCP.”

Pawar attributed the loss to unprecedented levels of money power influencing the elections and alleged that inflammatory remarks by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath fueled polarization. He dismissed claims of internal MVA discord, asserting that the coalition worked collaboratively throughout the campaign. He also refuted claims of EVM malfunctioning, stating that he heard of such allegations, but lacked confirmation.

Despite the devastating outcome, Pawar announced that the NCP will hold a meeting on Monday with newly elected MLAs to analyze the results and strategize for the future. The MVA coalition lacks the necessary seats to claim the Leader of the Opposition post. Pawar also commented on the Baramati constituency, where his nephew Ajit Pawar defeated his grandnephew, noting the significant experience difference between the two.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance retained power with a landslide victory, securing 230 seats. The BJP alone secured 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena (57) and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction, 41).

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