Maharashtra: Decision on alliance with Sena tomorrow, says Congress
What's the story
A month after the Maharashtra Assembly polls, it seems the power tussle may finally come to its conclusion. Maharashtra could soon witness an unlikely Congress-Nationalist Congress Party-Shiv Sena alliance coming to power. Reportedly, Congress and NCP leaders will hold a meeting on Thursday evening followed by a final meeting with Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday. Here are more details.
Today's developments
Congress Working Committee held meeting at Sonia Gandhi's residence today
Notably, a Congress Working Committee (CWC) was called for an urgent meeting on Thursday morning to discuss the way forward in Maharashtra at party interim President Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence in Delhi. Now, the Congress and NCP will hold a joint meeting later in the day. Thereafter, both parties will jointly meet Shiv Sena on Friday in Mumbai, PTI reported, citing Congress sources.
Information
Gandhi advised to go ahead with alliance: Sources
An NDTV report, citing sources, stated that Gandhi had been advised to "go ahead" with the alliance in Maharashtra as the "greater enemy, in order to fight communalism, is the BJP". She has been apprehensive about the alliance considering ideological differences with the Sena.
Mumbai meeting
Sena, Congress leaders confirm three-party meeting in Mumbai
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut confirmed the impending meet saying, "The process to form government has started. It will be completed before December 1. All three parties will hold meeting." Further, speaking on the discussions held during the CWC meeting, Congress leader KC Venugopal said the committee members were apprised of Maharashtra's political situation and confirmed the Friday meeting in Mumbai.
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Many points on which we need clarification: Maharashtra Congress chief
However, several kinks may need ironing out as Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said, "There are many points on which we need clarification if we have to run a government together for 5 years. Discussions are progressing. We will go to Mumbai today."
Conflicts
Shiv Sena, Congress, NCP to discuss power-sharing
Apart from the obvious ideological differences, the parties are reportedly discussing a power-sharing agreement. The Sena is keen on party chief Uddhav Thackeray for the chief ministerial post. However, reports suggest that Thackeray is reluctant to share the CM post. Discussions are on between the NCP and Sena for rotational CM, and two deputy CMs, including one from Congress, NDTV reported.
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When 3 parties form government, process is long: Raut
As Raut put it, "When three parties form a government, then the process is long." Speaking to reporters late Wednesday, he added, "This process has started today. In coming 2-5 days, when the process is completed, a government will be formed in Maharashtra."
History
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan also assures 'stable' government soon
Following a round of meetings, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said late Wednesday, "Congress-NCP has had long and positive discussions today. Discussions will continue; I am sure we will be able to give a stable govt to Maharashtra very soon." Meanwhile, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the three parties are trying their best to resolve all issues to form an alternate government.
Maharashtra
Here's a brief history of what's been happening in Maharashtra
The political climate in Maharashtra intensified after the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena alliance fell apart. The BJP-Sena alliance crumbled over debates of power-sharing after they won a majority in the Maharashtra polls last month. Since the alliance fell apart, no party has been able to prove a majority in the assembly. Hence, on November 12, President's rule was imposed in the state.