Mumbai/UNI: NCP state president and former water resources minister Jayant Patil late on Sunday night said that a disqualification petition was filed with the assembly speaker by mail against 9 MLAs, including Ajit Pawar after they acted against the party interest and joined the Shinde-Fadnavis government.

It may be noted that, in sudden political development in the state on Sunday afternoon, NCP senior leader Ajit Pawar among nine NCP MLAs joined the Shinde-Fadnavis government.

Addressing the press late Sunday night Patil said that, nine members of the NCP took an oath without giving any information to the National President and the State President of the party by doing activities against the party's policy and interest, their actions are illegal and keeping the party in the dark.

Meanwhile, a letter demanding immediate cancellation of their membership has been sent to the Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar through email and WhatsApp and also on his message.

Patil said the petition for cancellation of membership should be heard at the earliest.

All the party activists of Maharashtra are with Sharad Pawar. Many office bearers of the party from all districts have come out in support. 9 MLAs cannot be a party. The oath they have taken is an act without telling the party president.

We have taken steps according to the announcement that NCP will take legal steps in this regard, stated Patil.

Patil expressed the hope that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly will call us for a hearing on this matter as soon as possible, he added.