Maha Govt Formation HIGHLIGHTS: Sena, Congress, NCP Discussing Options; BJP Affirmative Too

Background

New Delhi: Even after eighteen days since the declaration of poll result in Maharashtra, the suspense over formation of government still prevails, marked by intermittent political twists.  First, the state saw BJP attempting to cobble up numbers but failing eventually, then Shiv Sena, on Monday, was seen unsuccessfully attempting to stake claim of governance. Now Sharad Pawar-led NCP has been given time till 8.30pm today to express "willingness and ability to form government".

The day is likely to witness a flurry of meetings and hectic parleys again, as NCP will attempt to muster the support of Congress to form a non-BJP government in the state with Shiv Sena.

On Tuesday, as the impasse in government formation entered the 18th day and the prospect of President's rule loomed, the Congress appeared not wanting to take a hasty decision to align with its ideological rival, and decided to hold further talks with its pre-poll ally NCP on the issue of supporting the Sena.

Congress core group meeting will be held today at 10am interim party president Sonia Gandhi's residence, over Maharashtra's political situation.

NCP legislative party will be meeting at 11 am. While at 1 pm the core group meeting of the party will be held.

On Tuesday as the 7.30 pm deadline ended for Shiv Sena, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday night invited the NCP asking it to express "willingness and ability to form government".

22:26 PM (IST)  •  12 Nov 2019

LJP Chief Chirag Paswan on Tuesday described the imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra as unfortunate and said that it was sad that BJP-Shiv Sena did not form government for their own ambitions. His remarks came hours after his party decided to go solo in Jharkhand.

21:19 PM (IST)  •  12 Nov 2019

Maharashtra Governor B S Koshyari's decision to recommend President's Rule appears to be taken in haste and it frustrates the wish and mandate of the state's people, a former solicitor general said on Tuesday. The governor should have examined more options to install an elected government, senior advocate Mohan Parasaran, who was solicitor general for India during the UPA II regime, said.