President’s Rule imposed in Maharashtra; Congress objects alleging BJP-led Centre’s agenda
By Newsmeter Network
Mumbai: Half a month after assembly elections in Maharashtra, no political party has been able to form the government. Following this impasse, President Ram Nath Kovind has signed a notification saying that the state assembly will be dismissed and President’s rule will be enforced in the state. The decision comes after the Union Cabinet’s recommended for Central rule in the state.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has moved the Supreme Court against Maharashtra Governor’s decision to decline the extension of time sought by the party to prove its claim to form a government.
The party had earlier approached the apex court seeking an urgent hearing against the Maharashtra Governor’s decision, not to extend the deadline given to Shiv Sena to claim the majority. Meanwhile, Congress has objected the President’s decision calling it BJP-led Centre’s agenda to form a government in Maharashtra.
Raj Bhavan Press Release 12.11.2019 3.16 PM pic.twitter.com/qmlQA6ghBR
— Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) November 12, 2019
Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel told media, “A meeting was held today, between senior leaders of NCP and Congress. On November 11, Shiv Sena formally contacted us first. We will discuss all the issues and then make a decision.”
It has been 15 days since the assembly election process in Maharashtra concluded. However, none of the political parties was in a position to form the government. BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra assembly polls with the Bharatiya Janata Party securing 105 seats, Shiv Sena (56), Congress (44) and the Nationalist Congress Party (54).
However, the pre-poll alliance between Shiv-Sena and BJP broke down over issues such as the chief ministerial position and seat-sharing arrangement. Hence, there appeared to be no clear winner to form the government individually.
After Sena failed to get support from its rivals on Monday, the Maharashtra Governor had earlier given Sharad Pawar-led National Congress Party (NCP) time until Tuesday 8:30 pm to prove support.
