President's Rule in Maharashtra if no consensus by November-7: BJP
The results of Maharashtra Assembly polls were declared on October 24, but eight days later there is no clarity as to when the government will be formed. And now, amid the ongoing tussle between partners BJP and Shiv Sena, a leader from the former party said Maharashtra may go for President's rule by November 7 if no government is formed by then. Here's more.
After contesting polls together, Sena-BJP are now fighting one another
BJP and Sena fought polls for the 288 Assembly seats together, but their ties soured after results. BJP, with 105 seats, needs Sena's MLAs to stake a claim. However, since Uddhav Thackeray's party is demanding Chief Ministership for 2.5 years, BJP hit a roadblock. Recently, incumbent CM Devendra Fadnavis, who is eyeing a second term, said no 50-50 deal was signed with Sena.
BJP leader said talks with Sena will resume soon
To note, the tenure of the current legislative assembly expires on November 8, which means the clock is ticking for both the parties which were rewarded with a mandate. Today, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said that talks with Sena got delayed due to Diwali, and added they would resume soon. He also said that like his party, Sena wants to form a government soon.
Our alliance is stronger than Fevicol: Mungantiwar
"People of Maharashtra have given mandate not to any party but to the Mahayuti (alliance). Our alliance is stronger than Fevicol or Ambuja Cement. A new government will have to be in place within the stipulated time, or else the President will have to intervene," he said.
Separately, Raut asked BJP to keep check on "arrogance"
While this statement shows BJP is extending an olive branch to Sena, Sanjay Raut renewed his attack today. "Sahib, don't feed your arrogance...many Alexanders have drowned in the ocean of time," he tweeted. The firebrand leader, who is leading the attack against BJP, claimed people of Maharashtra want a CM from Sena. The party wants first-time MLA Aaditya Thackeray to head the state.
Meanwhile, NCP asked parties to quit playing wrestling match
As the alliance partners are locking horns, a leader from NCP asked them to end the "wrestling match" and respect the mandate. "Shiv Sena should have thought of all their issues beforehand, not now. This is the time for the two parties to form the government and start working. Why play a WWF match now," the party's spokesperson Clyde Crasto asked earlier this week.
