President’s Rule has been imposed in Maharashtra as the political stalemate continued in the State over government formation.
President Ram Nath Kovind today signed a proclamation imposing President’s rule in Maharashtra under Article 356.
The Assembly has been kept under suspended animation. Earlier in the day, the Union Cabinet recommended President’s rule in the state after Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari submitted a report in this regard.
In his report, the Governor said a situation has arisen that a stable government is not possible even after 18 days of declaration of election results.
Despite getting a comfortable majority in the 288-member Maharastra Assembly, BJP -Shiv Sena combine which fought elections together could not reach the consensus over government formation in the sate.
Amid political deadlock between the two alliance partners, the Governor first invited the largest party BJP to form the government which was declined by the party.
The second-largest party Shiv Sena also failed to get letters of support from the NCP and the Congress. Later, Sharad Pawar-led NCP was asked to express its ability and willingness to stake claim to form a government.
As uncertainty continued over the possible alliance between Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, the Governor has left no option but to recommend President’s Rule in the State.
However, the President’s Rule can be revoked before the six-month period if a situation emerges for the formation of a stable government.
Meanwhile, Congress has hit out at Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for recommending President’s rule in the state.
Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that the Governor has committed a grave travesty and made a mockery of the Constitutional process.
Mr. Surjewala also questioned the Maharashtra governor for the arbitrary allotment of time to the NCP, Shiv Sena and the BJP to prove support for government formation.
CPI(M) also questioned the decision. Party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Governor had given time till 8.30 pm today to NCP, then how can he recommend President’s rule before the expiry of the deadline.
He said the floor test is what determines whether a stable government is possible.
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