BJP, Shiv Sena demand President’s rule in Maharashtra
Mumbai:The BJP and Shiv Sena have demanded President's rule in Maharashtra where a deadlock over the formation of government is continuing due to differences between the
Congress and the NCP over sharing of key portfolios.
The NCP and Congress alliance gained majority after winning 144 out of 288 seats in last
month''s assembly elections, but both parties have failed to reach a consensus.
The Congress, which has emerged stronger after the elections, wants the NCP to part with
at least two of five key departments, - Home, Finance, Energy, Rural Development and
Tribal Development.
And the NCP is not ready to part with the ministries of Home, Finance and Energy but it is
prepared to exchange the remaining Urban Development and Social Justice portfolios.
A delegation of BJP and Shiv Sena legislators met the state Governor S C Jamir and urged
upon on him to advise President's rule in view of the delay in the formation of a stable
government.
"They have the majority and they should form the government within 24 hours else the
Governor should tell the central (federal) government that President rule be imposed in the
state of Maharashtra," said Subhash Desai, leader of Shiv Sena.
Eknath Khadse, leader of BJP opined that the Governor too was keen on early formation
of the government.
"He has told us that such a situation should not remain in the state for long and he will take
a decision on this. When the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister came to meet the
Governor yesterday, he told them very bluntly that the situation is not good and they should
immediately start the process of forming the government,” BJP leader Eknath Khadse said.
