Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar resigns as MLA after named in MSC bank scam

In a major development ahead of assembly elections in Maharashtra, NCP leader and Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar on Friday has resigned as Baramati MLA from the Maha assembly. Maharashtra legislative assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde has accepted his resignation. Notably, his resignation has come days after he and Sharad Pawar along with others were named by ED in its ECIR (equivalent to FIR) in a money laundering case in connection with the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam. 

The ED had filed the ECIR against NCP leaders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Furthermore, the ED's decision to file the ECIR in the scam came after the Bombay High Court ordered the Mumbai Police’s EOW (Economic Offences Wing) to file an FIR against Sharad Pawar, his nephew, and 75 others in the alleged Rs 25,000-crore scam.

READ | Sanjay Raut: ED should've discussed Sharad Pawar's name with govt

Sharad Pawar cancels visit to ED office

Even as he was not issued summon, NCP chief Sharad Pawar was going to visit the ED office for questioning in the case on Friday. However, after the Mumbai Police asked him to postpone his visit due to security concern, Sharad Pawar addressed the media and announced that he has dropped his decision to visit the ED office. He cited law and order situation in the city for his decision. As NCP leaders led protests outside the ED office after the FIR was registered, the Mumbai Police had imposed Section 144 in South Mumbai ahead of the NCP leader's visit to the ED office. 

READ | Sharad Pawar cancels visit to ED office, cites law & order concern

Maharashtra assembly elections

Troubles for NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar have come weeks ahead of the elections for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly. Sharad Pawar had announced the seat-sharing arrangement between his party and the Congress party in Maharashtra polls. Pawar had tweeted to say that both NCP and Congress will contest 125 seats each in the Maharashtra Assembly polls. He also said that the remaining 38 seats will be given to smaller allies across the state. Elections in the state will be held on October 21, along with Haryana in a single phase, whereas the counting of votes will take place on October 24 for both states.

READ | Rahul Gandhi Questions Timing As ED Names Sharad Pawar In Bank Scam

READ | Sharad Pawar Goes To ED Office, Section 144 In Parts Of South Mumbai