Maharashtra Govt Formation Highlights: Governor Denies 48-Hour Extension To Shiv Sena, Invites NCP To Stake Claim
Maharashtra Government Formation LIVE UPDATES: Impasse continues in Maharashtra as Aaditya Thackeray said although Shiv Sena expressed willingness to form the government in the state, the Governor denied to give an extension of 48-hours to the party as requested by them to get the support from Congress and NCP. The leader added that the two parties have agreed in-principle to support the Sena government. Meanwhile, the Congress said in a statement that it will hold further discussions with ally NCP on the political situation in Maharashtra on Tuesday.
The Shiv Sena today evening claimed the Congress and the NCP have sent it crucial letters extending their support to prop up a government in Maharashtra which will be headed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. However, just five minutes before the 7:30pm deadline, Congress issued a statement saying that it will speak to NCP on the matter.
Nearly two-and-a-half weeks after the Maharashtra election results were announced, the state has no government. Stay tuned to get the live updates of the political crisis in Maharashtra.
ABP News Bureau
Last Updated:
11 Nov 2019 11:12 PM
Governor of Maharashtra: The Governor has, therefore, asked the leader of elected members of the third largest party, Nationalist Congress Party, Ajit Pawar, to convey its willingness and ability to form the government to him.
Mumbai: Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal and other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
Mumbai: Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal and other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
Sudhir Mungantiwar, BJP: The BJP core team meeting has concluded. The political situation in the state was discussed in the meeting. On its basis, BJP is taking the stand of 'wait and watch'.
Mumbai: Ajit Pawar, Dhananjay Munde other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders arrive at Raj Bhavan to meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.
Nawab Malik, Nationalist Congress Party: We will get the letter today and make a final decision by tomorrow after holding discussions with our ally Congress.
Nawab Malik, NCP: We have been called by the Governor, a delegation of our party is meeting him now. We've been called to form the govt. As per the letter given by the Governor we'll hold discussions with Congress & see how a stable govt can be provided to the state.
Ajit Pawar, NCP: At 8:30 pm the Governor called us and asked me to come to meet him. Along with Chhagan Bhujbal, Jayant Patil and others, I am going to meet him. We have no idea as to why did he call us. Governor is an important person so we are going to meet him.
Guv of Maharashtra: Delegation of Shiv Sena met Guv & expressed willingness to form govt. However, they couldn't submit requisite letter of support. They submitted letter requesting 3-day extension for submitting letters of support. Guv expressed inability to give further extension.
Manikrao Thackeray, Congress: Neither ours nor NCP's letter has gone to Maharashtra Governor yet. It has been decided that two leaders will be sent for discussions with Pawar sa'ab (Sharad Pawar), state leaders will also be there. The next step will be taken after the discussion
Impasse continues as Aaditya Thackeray says no letter of support from NCP-Congress on government formation with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra yet, while Governor refuses to extend 7.30 pm deadline.
Will hold further talks with NCP: Congress on Maharashtra
The Congress on Monday kept on the suspense on extending support to the Shiv Sena, which looks set to stake its claim to form the government in Maharashtra.
The Congress, which held marathon meetings during the day, issued a statement saying it will hold 'further discussion' with its alliance partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which was all inclined to support the Shiv Sena in the state.
The Congress on Monday kept on the suspense on extending support to the Shiv Sena, which looks set to stake its claim to form the government in Maharashtra.
The Congress, which held marathon meetings during the day, issued a statement saying it will hold 'further discussion' with its alliance partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which was all inclined to support the Shiv Sena in the state.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: We've already issued a press note & we've mentioned that we've already discussed with working committee members and our PCC leaders. Our AICC President has spoken to Sharad Pawar ji. Further discussion will take place in Mumbai tomorrow.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: We've already issued a press note & we've mentioned that we've already discussed with working committee members and our PCC leaders. Our AICC President has spoken to Sharad Pawar ji. Further discussion will take place in Mumbai tomorrow.
Aaditya Thackeray: Both parties (Congress-NCP) have been speaking to us, MLAs have been speaking to us. As talks are on, as 2nd largest party it was our right to come here. We've expressed our willingness to form govt, we've asked for extension of 48 hrs to fulfill our procedure.
Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena: We told the Guv that we're willing to form the govt. We asked him for at least 2 days time but we weren't given time. The claim (to form govt) wasn't denied but the time was. We'll continue to put in efforts to form govt in the state.
After meeting the governor, Shiv Sena leaders are speaking to the media. Aaditya Thackery addressed the media first.
No letter of support to Shiv Sena by Congress yet over Maharashtra Government formation. Congress issues statement saying, 'The party will have further discussions with NCP'.
No letter of support to Shiv Sena by Congress yet over Maharashtra Government formation. Congress issues statement saying, 'The party will have further discussions with NCP'.
Aaditya Thackeray, Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena leaders meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
Aaditya Thackeray, Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena leaders meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
Meeting of top Congress leaders at the party's interim president, Sonia Gandhi's residence has ended.
Shiv Sena wants the oath-taking ceremony to take place on November 17, 2019. The day marks the death anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Bacchu Kadu, Independent Candidate outside Raj Bhavan, Mumbai: Three of us (independent candidates) have come here. Whosoever Uddhav Sahab will decide, will be the Chief Minister.
JUST IN | Uddhav Thackeray's name has been put forward for the post of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Source
JUST IN | Uddhav Thackeray's name has been put forward for the post of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Source
Aaditya Thackeray and Eknath Shinde has reached Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor.
Aaditya Thackeray and Eknath Shinde has reached Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor.
Congress to support Shiv Sena for government formation in Maharashtra, according to sources. Congress' letter of support faxed to Raj Bhavan
Congress party has submitted the letter to Shiv Sena supporting the party to form the government.
Shiv Sena leaders Eknath Shinde and Aaditya Thackeray left to meet the Governor at 6.45 pm.
Aaditya Thackeray and Eknath Shinde accompanied by Sena leaders will leave shortly to meet Governor to stake claim. NCP has readied its letter of support for Sena govt.
Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi reportedly spoke to the party's Maharashtra MLAs who are lodged in a Jaipur hotel amid the political crisis in the state. Sonia is also currently chairing a crucial CWC meeting to take a decision on whether the party should support the Shiv Sena in forming the government.
Former Prime Minister and JD-S chief HD Deve Gowda said: 'If Congress gives support to Shiv Sena, they should not disturb it for the next five years, only then people will trust the Congress party.'
Mukul Wasnik, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat, Rajiv Satav and Manikrao Thackre also present in the meeting
According to reports, Thackeray has asked for Sonia's support to form the government ahead of the party's appointment with the state governor at 7.30 pm. Thackeray on Monday also met Congress ally, NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
Arvind Sawant's Resignation Letter
Arvind Sawant's Resignation Letter
Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray had a brief telephonic conversation a short while back. Gandhi told Thackery that she needs time to speak to her MLAs before taking the final call.
JUST IN | Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi spoke on phone over government formation.
JUST IN | Sonia Gandhi is speaking to the Shiv Sena leaders over phone: Sources
Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who has been at the forefront of the junior ally's 'belligerent' demand of a rotational chief minister's post after the Maharashtra Assembly election in October, is reportedly admitted to the Lilavati hospital.
PTI quoted an official of the hospital as saying, 'Raut visited the Lilavati Hospital after he complained for slight chest pain. He is being treated by Dr Jaleel Parkar.'
PTI quoted an official of the hospital as saying, 'Raut visited the Lilavati Hospital after he complained for slight chest pain. He is being treated by Dr Jaleel Parkar.'
Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who has been at the forefront of the junior ally's 'belligerent' demand of a rotational chief minister's post after the Maharashtra Assembly election in October, is reportedly admitted to the Lilavati hospital.
PTI quoted an official of the hospital as saying, 'Raut visited the Lilavati Hospital after he complained for slight chest pain. He is being treated by Dr Jaleel Parkar.'
PTI quoted an official of the hospital as saying, 'Raut visited the Lilavati Hospital after he complained for slight chest pain. He is being treated by Dr Jaleel Parkar.'
Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has also reached interim party chief Sonia Gandhi’s residence in Delhi for the senior party leader's meeting on the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra. Reportedly, the meeting has begun.
Congress leaders AK Antony and Ahmed Patel arrive at 10 Janpath (Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi's residence). Party's Maharashtra leaders have been called to Delhi for further discussions over the political situation in Maharashtra, the meeting to be held shortly.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut admitted at Lilavati hospital in Mumbai. More details awaited.
Delhi: Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant speaks on party leader Aaditya Thackeray; says, '...You will get to know his potential if you watch him on YouTube. What a potential that young boy is having! There's a true leadership. He is a visionary leader of the country.'
Shiv Sena Can't Have CM Post In Maharashtra By Winning 56 Seats, Says Gautam Gambhir
Cricketer-turned-politician and Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir on Monday slammed Shiv Sena for walking out of the alliance with BJP and said that they can't have the Chief Minister post in Maharashtra by winning only 56 seats.
‘It is unfair for people of Maharashtra have given the mandate to NDA alliance as what Shiv Sena is doing you can't have a CM with 56 seats. Probably, they will now have to take support from its biggest critics. If they end up doing that, this is going to be the last nail in the coffin of Shiv Sena,’ he told ANI.
‘Hopefully, BJP will emerge even stronger in Maharashtra. Fadnavis has done a fabulous job in the last five years and the BJP emerged as the single largest party. Now, they (Shiv Sena) is trying to achieve power by hook or crook,’ Gambhir added.
(ANI)
Cricketer-turned-politician and Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir on Monday slammed Shiv Sena for walking out of the alliance with BJP and said that they can't have the Chief Minister post in Maharashtra by winning only 56 seats.
‘It is unfair for people of Maharashtra have given the mandate to NDA alliance as what Shiv Sena is doing you can't have a CM with 56 seats. Probably, they will now have to take support from its biggest critics. If they end up doing that, this is going to be the last nail in the coffin of Shiv Sena,’ he told ANI.
‘Hopefully, BJP will emerge even stronger in Maharashtra. Fadnavis has done a fabulous job in the last five years and the BJP emerged as the single largest party. Now, they (Shiv Sena) is trying to achieve power by hook or crook,’ Gambhir added.
(ANI)
Update: Meeting Between Uddhav Thackeray And Sharad Pawar Concludes; Aaditya Thackeray Also Present
The meeting between NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray at Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai has been over. Newly elected MLA Aaditya Thackeray was also present at the meeting.
The NCP has vetoed the name of Aaditya Thackeray for CM , sources have said, after which name of Uddhav Thackeray began surfacing for the post of CM.
The meeting between NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray at Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai has been over. Newly elected MLA Aaditya Thackeray was also present at the meeting.
The NCP has vetoed the name of Aaditya Thackeray for CM , sources have said, after which name of Uddhav Thackeray began surfacing for the post of CM.
Maharashtra Congress MLAs are being taken to Delhi from Jaipur to meet party president Sonia Gandhi.
The meeting will take place at around 4pm.
The meeting will take place at around 4pm.
Shiv Sena Leader Arvind Sawant Tenders Resignation From The Union Cabinet; Says ‘Not Morally Right For Me To Continue In The Centre’
Sole Shiv Sena Minister in Modi government Arvind Sawant resigned from his post as the Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises on Monday afternoon and addressed a press conference where he said that the BJP attempted to portray Shiv Sena as liar, by rejecting the 50-50 power sharing formula, which was decided in Uddhav Thackeray’s meeting with Amit Shah before elections.
He said 'BJP went back from their pre election promises. It would not have been morally right for me to continue in the Centre, so I have resigned as Union Minister'.
The Shiv Sena's lone representative in the Cabinet, announced his resignation earlier in the day.
He accused the Maharashtra BJP of resorting to untruths to snap off ties and reiterated that the Sena always stood for truth.
Sole Shiv Sena Minister in Modi government Arvind Sawant resigned from his post as the Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises on Monday afternoon and addressed a press conference where he said that the BJP attempted to portray Shiv Sena as liar, by rejecting the 50-50 power sharing formula, which was decided in Uddhav Thackeray’s meeting with Amit Shah before elections.
He said 'BJP went back from their pre election promises. It would not have been morally right for me to continue in the Centre, so I have resigned as Union Minister'.
The Shiv Sena's lone representative in the Cabinet, announced his resignation earlier in the day.
He accused the Maharashtra BJP of resorting to untruths to snap off ties and reiterated that the Sena always stood for truth.
Uddhav Thackeray goes to meet NCP Chief Sharad Pawar
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday noon went to meet NCP chief Sharad Pawar, as suspense prevailed over the formation of government in the state.
Sources also said that it is most likely that Uddhav will be given the Chief Minister’s post as NCP vetoed Aaditya Thakceray’s name.
The deputy’s post will go to the NCP and even the Home Ministry will be given to NCP. However, if Congress also lends support, the post of deputy CM will be given to Congress, sources have said.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday noon went to meet NCP chief Sharad Pawar, as suspense prevailed over the formation of government in the state.
Sources also said that it is most likely that Uddhav will be given the Chief Minister’s post as NCP vetoed Aaditya Thakceray’s name.
The deputy’s post will go to the NCP and even the Home Ministry will be given to NCP. However, if Congress also lends support, the post of deputy CM will be given to Congress, sources have said.
Congress may lend external support to Shiv Sena: Sources
The Congress party may decide in favour of lending support to the government externally and not be a part of it, sources said on Monday, as the suspense over government formation in Maharashtra continued. However, they said that the final decision will be taken only after meeting Maharashtra"s senior leaders in the evening at 4 pm.
Earlier the NCP said it is waiting for the decision of Congress. ‘It is our responsibility to give alternative; will take decision jointly with Congress,’ it said.
The Congress party may decide in favour of lending support to the government externally and not be a part of it, sources said on Monday, as the suspense over government formation in Maharashtra continued. However, they said that the final decision will be taken only after meeting Maharashtra"s senior leaders in the evening at 4 pm.
Earlier the NCP said it is waiting for the decision of Congress. ‘It is our responsibility to give alternative; will take decision jointly with Congress,’ it said.
‘Waiting For Congress To Take Decision,’ Says NCP Leader Nawab Malik After Core Committee Meeting
NCP leader Nawab Malik interacted with media after the core committee meeting of the party chaired by Sharad Pawar got over and said that NCP was waiting for Congress to take decision.
“We are waiting for Congress to take a decision. We fought elections together and whatever will be decided, it will be decided together,” he said.
“Congress MLAs are in favour of supporting Shiv Sena-led government, but Congress Working Committee (CWC) is the supreme body to decide on their party line,” he said. “So we can comment only after their meeting at 4pm gets over,” he said.
NCP leader Nawab Malik interacted with media after the core committee meeting of the party chaired by Sharad Pawar got over and said that NCP was waiting for Congress to take decision.
“We are waiting for Congress to take a decision. We fought elections together and whatever will be decided, it will be decided together,” he said.
“Congress MLAs are in favour of supporting Shiv Sena-led government, but Congress Working Committee (CWC) is the supreme body to decide on their party line,” he said. “So we can comment only after their meeting at 4pm gets over,” he said.
Update : Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Sonia Gandhi’s residence in Delhi, gets over
BJP core committee meeting underway:
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s core committee meeting has started in Mumbai at Varsha Bungalow which is the official residence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s core committee meeting has started in Mumbai at Varsha Bungalow which is the official residence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Chhattisgarh CM To Visit Congress MLAs in Jaipur
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel will go to Jaipur today to 'manage' Maharashtra Congress MLAs lodged there, sources said as the party leaders huddled in New Delhi over supporting Shiv Sena in government formation
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel will go to Jaipur today to 'manage' Maharashtra Congress MLAs lodged there, sources said as the party leaders huddled in New Delhi over supporting Shiv Sena in government formation
Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut arrives to meet party chief Uddhav Thackeray:
‘Decision To Be Taken Only After Detailed Discussion’: Says NCP’s Prafull Patel
NCP leader Prafull Patel Says ‘It is not an easy decision, political scenario is changing. NCP does not have the formal mandate, we are discussing the probabilities of lending support, because BJP has refused to form government.”
NCP leader Prafull Patel Says ‘It is not an easy decision, political scenario is changing. NCP does not have the formal mandate, we are discussing the probabilities of lending support, because BJP has refused to form government.”
‘We will take a decision along with the Congress,’ Says NCP leader Sharad Pawar
Sharad Pawar who is currently chairing a meeting of NCP leaders amid the political hustle in Maharashtra, said that the party will reach any decision only after holding talks with Congress.
Sharad Pawar who is currently chairing a meeting of NCP leaders amid the political hustle in Maharashtra, said that the party will reach any decision only after holding talks with Congress.
Sonia Gandhi Chairs CWC Meeting:
Congress Working Committee Meeting chaired by party president Sonia Gandhi is now underway in New Delhi. Congress Maharashtra MLAs who are lodged in Jaipur, will also hold their meeting.
Congress Working Committee Meeting chaired by party president Sonia Gandhi is now underway in New Delhi. Congress Maharashtra MLAs who are lodged in Jaipur, will also hold their meeting.
‘Nothing can be said as of now,’ says senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Maharashtra government formation
Raut May Meet Sonia Gandhi:
Sanjay Raut is also likely to meet top Congress leaders in New Delhi on Monday to seek support for his party's government in the state. Top Congress sources said he may visit Interim President Sonia Gandhi, but no meeting has been sought as yet.
Sanjay Raut is also likely to meet top Congress leaders in New Delhi on Monday to seek support for his party's government in the state. Top Congress sources said he may visit Interim President Sonia Gandhi, but no meeting has been sought as yet.
BJP Ready To Sit In Opposition But Won’t Share Post With Shiv Sena: Sanjay Raut Hits Out At BJP’s Arrogance
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday held a press conference and hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that the saffron party is showing arrogance, even though it is not able to form government. He said that the party is ready to sit in the opposition, but it won’t agree to Shiv Sena’s offer of rotational CM for two and a half years. The party’s arrogance is an insult to the people of Maharashtra, he said.
' It would have been easy if Governor had given us more time. BJP was given 72 hrs;we've been given lesser time. It's a strategy of BJP to impose President's rule in state,' he added.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday held a press conference and hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that the saffron party is showing arrogance, even though it is not able to form government. He said that the party is ready to sit in the opposition, but it won’t agree to Shiv Sena’s offer of rotational CM for two and a half years. The party’s arrogance is an insult to the people of Maharashtra, he said.
' It would have been easy if Governor had given us more time. BJP was given 72 hrs;we've been given lesser time. It's a strategy of BJP to impose President's rule in state,' he added.
Maharashtra: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar to chair party's core group meeting which is to be held today in Mumbai, over the current political situation in the state. Praful Patel, Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar, Jayant Patil & other party leaders will be present.
(ANI)
(ANI)
“Cannot Continue Under Such Atmosphere Of Lies,” Arvind Sawant Tweets As He Announces Resignation. Watch:
NCP, Congress key players now: NCP asks Sena to walk out of NDA first
The fast-paced developments seem to have increased the bargaining power of opposition Congress and NCP, as the Sena, which has 56 MLAs, is far away from the halfway mark of 145. Congress has 44 MLAS and the NCP has 54 MLAs.
While the Sena has been making efforts to reach out to the NCP and the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led party said the Sena will have to walk out of the NDA first.
Congress sources said the party legislators from Maharashtra were meeting in Jaipur with senior leaders to discuss the possibility of supporting a Sena-led government.
A close aide of a senior Congress leader here said the MLAs will return to Mumbai from Jaipur Monday afternoon after which the party may announce its stand on the political impasse.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra BJP core committee headed by caretaker Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also meet in Mumbai on Monday.
The fast-paced developments seem to have increased the bargaining power of opposition Congress and NCP, as the Sena, which has 56 MLAs, is far away from the halfway mark of 145. Congress has 44 MLAS and the NCP has 54 MLAs.
While the Sena has been making efforts to reach out to the NCP and the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led party said the Sena will have to walk out of the NDA first.
Congress sources said the party legislators from Maharashtra were meeting in Jaipur with senior leaders to discuss the possibility of supporting a Sena-led government.
A close aide of a senior Congress leader here said the MLAs will return to Mumbai from Jaipur Monday afternoon after which the party may announce its stand on the political impasse.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra BJP core committee headed by caretaker Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also meet in Mumbai on Monday.
Shiv Sena begins taking signatures of MLAs:
The party on Sunday morning began to take signatures of the its legislators on the letter which is to be submitted to the Governor today, as it readies to stake claim to form a coalition government in Maharashtra.
The Party has been asked by Governor to stake claim by 7:30 pm today.
The party on Sunday morning began to take signatures of the its legislators on the letter which is to be submitted to the Governor today, as it readies to stake claim to form a coalition government in Maharashtra.
The Party has been asked by Governor to stake claim by 7:30 pm today.
Congress Core Committee meeting at 10 am:
Congress calls a meeting of its core committee in the wake of the political developments in Maharashtra. The meeting will be taking place at 10 Janpath . It will be chaired by party president Sonia Gandhi’s.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said: There's a meeting at 10 am today. We will proceed according to instruction from high command. But our original decision & decision of the people is that we should sit in opposition, that is the present position.
Congress calls a meeting of its core committee in the wake of the political developments in Maharashtra. The meeting will be taking place at 10 Janpath . It will be chaired by party president Sonia Gandhi’s.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said: There's a meeting at 10 am today. We will proceed according to instruction from high command. But our original decision & decision of the people is that we should sit in opposition, that is the present position.
The twist in Maharashtra politics
In a major twist in the ongoing political slugfest in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena was invited by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Sunday night to indicate the willingness and ability of the party to stake claim, mounting suspense over formation of government in the state.
Governor Koshyari has asked Sena legislative party leader Eknath Shinde to indicate willingness and ability of the party to form government, a Raj Bhavan statement said.
Party has been given time till 7:30 pm today to stake claim to form government in the state. The twist comes, when after sixteen days of deadlock with its pre-poll ally Shiv Sena, the BJP, on Sunday declined to form government in Maharashtra.
In a major twist in the ongoing political slugfest in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena was invited by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Sunday night to indicate the willingness and ability of the party to stake claim, mounting suspense over formation of government in the state.
Governor Koshyari has asked Sena legislative party leader Eknath Shinde to indicate willingness and ability of the party to form government, a Raj Bhavan statement said.
Party has been given time till 7:30 pm today to stake claim to form government in the state. The twist comes, when after sixteen days of deadlock with its pre-poll ally Shiv Sena, the BJP, on Sunday declined to form government in Maharashtra.
In the wake of the recent developments, Sena leader Arvind Sawant also announced his resignation from the post of Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
The Shiv Sena is ready to quit its pre-poll alliance with BJP and is likely to walk out of the National Democratic Alliance, to reach out to the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress, before meeting with governor to stake its claim to form government, sources said on Monday.
Background
New Delhi: The Shiv Sena is ready to quit its pre-poll alliance with BJP and is likely to walk out of the National Democratic Alliance, to reach out to the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress, before meeting with governor to stake its claim to form government.
In a major twist in the ongoing political slugfest in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena was invited by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Sunday night to "indicate the willingness and ability" of the party to stake claim, mounting suspense over formation of government in the state.
Governor Koshyari has asked Sena legislative party leader Eknath Shinde to "indicate willingness and ability" of the party to form government, a Raj Bhavan statement said.
Party has been given time till 7:30 pm today to stake claim to form government in the state.
In the wake of the recent developments, Sena leader Arvind Sawant may resign from the post of Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterpriss, if advised by his party chief, Uddhav Thackeray.
The twist comes, when after sixteen days of deadlock with its pre-poll ally Shiv Sena, the BJP, on Sunday declined to form government in Maharashtra.
The Sena, the second-largest party in the 288-member House with 56 MLAs after the BJP (105), has time till 7:30pm on November 11, to stake the claim.
Sena legislators get into huddle:
After the governor's communication, Sena MLAs, staying at a suburban hotel in Mumbai, went into a huddle. They later moved to Matoshree, the Bandra residence of the party chief Uddhav Thackeray, for another meeting.
NCP, Congress key players now: NCP asks Sena to walk out of NDA first
The fast-paced developments seem to have increased the bargaining power of opposition Congress and NCP, as the Sena, which has 56 MLAs, is far away from the halfway mark of 145. Congress has 44 MLAS and the NCP has 54 MLAs.
While the Sena has been making efforts to reach out to the NCP and the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led party said the Sena will have to walk out of the NDA first.
Congress sources said the party legislators from Maharashtra were meeting in Jaipur with senior leaders to discuss the possibility of supporting a Sena-led government.
A close aide of a senior Congress leader here said the MLAs will return to Mumbai from Jaipur Monday afternoon after which the party may announce its stand on the political impasse.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra BJP core committee headed by caretaker Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also meet in Mumbai on Monday.
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