Maharashtra: Shiv Sena meets Governor, expresses willingness to form government
As the deadlock over the government formation in Maharashtra continues, Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray met with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari along with senior party leaders. Reportedly, the Shiv Sena will submit a letter of support from 162 MLAs, including those from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), to form the government. But, they have asked for an extension of 48 hours for procedural requirements.
Aaditya Thackeray, Sena leaders met Governor
Notably, Aaditya Thackeray, Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena leaders have met the Governor at Raj Bhavan. Thackeray arrived an hour ahead of the 7.30 pm deadline given to the party to stake a claim on government formation. Further, Bacchu Kadu, an independent candidate also arrived at the Raj Bhawan and told ANI, "Whosoever Uddhav Sahab will decide, will be the Chief Minister."
Three independent MLAs extend support to Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena second-largest party in Maharashtra Assembly with 56 seats
On Sunday, the Governor had invited Shiv Sena, the second-largest party in the Assembly, to form the government, after the BJP refused to stake a claim. After BJP's refusal, the Sena stepped up to grab power. The BJP won 105 seats in the Assembly while the Shiv Sena took 56 seats. Meanwhile, the NCP and the Congress party have 56 and 44 seats respectively.
Apparently, Sena has garnered support from NCP, Congress
With the Sena's alliance with the BJP turning sour, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party turned to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and joined hands with them. Thackeray and Pawar had held a meeting earlier today. Meanwhile, sources told ANI that the Congress has also decided to support the Shiv Sena and the NCP. Long story short, the Shiv Sena is likely to form government in Maharashtra.
Why didn't Maharashtra government form after polls?
Although the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won majority in the polls, the two debated a rotational CM policy. The BJP claimed they never agreed to the policy, wherein BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Sena's Aaditya Thackeray would share the CM seat 2.5 years each. But the Sena stood firm on its demands. Consequently, neither party formed the government, even as the Assembly's tenure ended on Saturday.
