The Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari had earlier in the day recommended the imposition of President’s rule in the state. This happened a day after he had asked the Sharad Pawar-led NCP whether it can form the government. The NCP was given time till 8.30 pm today. It is now being reported that Ram Nath Kovind has approved the report and President rule has been imposed in Maharashtra.
The imposition came after no party was able to stake claim to form the government even more than a fortnight after the results of the Assembly polls were announced on October 24.
The Sena on Tuesday had approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing against the Governor’s decision to not extend the deadline given to the party to prove they have the numbers to form the government. They were also against the decision of a President’s rule being imposed in the state.
The Congress had earlier indicated that they are keen on a chief minister from its ally NCP backed by the Shiv Sena. But no concrete result came through.
Post the October Assembly elections, the BJP had emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats. They were to form the government with Shiv Sena. But did not stake a claim after ally Sena denied support. Sena, with 56 seats in its kitty, was invited next by the Governor but as they could not give the required numbers the Governor had next invited the NCP. With 54 MLAs, the NCP is the third-largest party while Congress has 44 MLAs.
Finally, it all has ended with the President’s rule being imposed.
Also Read: Maharashtra Govt Formation: Governor recommends President Rule, Sena protests