Ajit Pawar, whose Nationalist Congress Party had pledged support to a Shiv Sena-led alliance along with the Congress in Maharashtra on Friday,  was today removed as the NCP Legislative Party leader hours after he took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government.

In a massive overnight twist, the BJP retained power in Maharashtra as Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term.

On Friday, the NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress had inched closer to forming a government in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar, the nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, was present last night at a joint meeting after which the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress announced an alliance with Sena chief Uddhav Thackerayas Chief Minister.

Though Sharad Pawar claimed the NCP did not endorse AjitPawar's "personal decision", it is confirmed that the governor was handed letters of support from all NCP MLAs.