After it became clear that no party will be able to form a government in the state of Maharashtra, the Governor of the state, Bhagat Singh Koshyari has sent a report to the centre that President’s rule should be imposed in the state.
A statement issued by the Raj Bhavan said, “The Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari having been satisfied that as the government of the State of Maharashtra cannot be carried out in accordance with Constitution, has today submitted a report as contemplated by the provisions of Art.356 of the Constitution”.
Raj Bhavan Press Release 12.11.2019 3.16 PM pic.twitter.com/qmlQA6ghBR
— Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) November 12, 2019
Earlier yesterday, the situation in the state of Maharashtra was in limbo as Shiv Sena failed to produce the majority needed to form a government in the state. After being assured of supporting the Shiv Sena-NCP government from outside, the Congress party, in a last-minute volte-face, denied extending their support to the Shiv Sena. NCP also didn’t send the required letter of support to Shiv Sena. The Sena then sought 48 hours from the governor to prove the majority by procuring the letter from NCP and Congress.
The Governor then asked the third-largest party in the state-NCP to prove majority. Although they have been given time till 8.30 PM today, it is unliky that they will be able to produce the requisite number of MLAs to stake a claim to the government.
Pulling back the support, Congress had claimed that it needs to consult with its MLAs and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, while remaining silent on support to Shiv Sena. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel and KC Venugopal are slated to meet Sharad Pawar on Monday over the formation of government in the state. Rumours are doing the round that NCP is now mulling over the idea of a rotational chief minister post with the Shiv Sena.
The alliance between the BJP and Shiv Sena bitterly broke after the Sena demanded a rotational chief minister position, contending it was part of the 50-50 formula predecided with the BJP. The BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, however, said that no such arrangement was discussed with Sena before the elections. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray then snapped ties with the BJP, saying that they have other options open in front of them to fulfil his promise given to Balasaheb Thackeray of installing a Shiv Sena chief minister in Maharashtra one day.
Citing the inability of the political parties to come together to form a government in the state, the Governor sent a report to the Home Ministry, advising the imposition of President’s rule in the state. It is expected that the union government will soon take a decision regarding the imposition of President rule in Maharashtra.
