NCP expels two leaders for attending Ajit Pawar's oath-taking ceremony

Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday expelled two leaders for attending Ajit Pawar's oath-taking ceremony.

In a press conference, Pawar rejected speculation that his nephew Ajit Pawar's rebellion has his blessings.

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Pawar also said he has launched a statewide tour to strengthen the NCP and boost the confidence of party workers, unfazed by actions of a few leaders.

On Sunday, Ajit Pawar led a vertical split in the NCP to become the deputy chief minister. Eight other NCP leaders were also sworn in as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-BJP government.

Asked whether Ajit Pawar's rebellion on Sunday had his blessings, the NCP chief said, "It is a mean thing to say. Only those with a mean and low intellect can say this."

"I have set out on a tour of the state and galvanise the cadre. They should not feel disillusioned with what some leaders have done," Sharad Pawar said.

(With PTI inputs)