MUMBAI: The Governor’s recommendation for President’s rule in Maharashtra is over. The governor’s surprise move came just before the deadline to allow the NCP to make a claim to form the government. The recommendation of the Governor was approved by the Center. President’s rule will come into effect in the state with the recommendation of the Center to the President. The NCP, however, said they were unaware of the recommendation and were given time till eight and a half hours.
Senior leaders of the NCP and Congress will meet this evening. After this, NCP leaders will meet with the governor again. The Shiv Sena, meanwhile, said it would approach the Supreme Court if the president takes office. The governor has reportedly told the Home Ministry that there are no other options. Raj Bhavan sources, however, refused to confirm this.
In the 288-member assembly, the BJP has 105, Shiv Sena-56, NCP-54 and Congress-44. The Shiv Sena’s split with the BJP over the Chief Minister’s post has led to a political crisis in the state. The governor had written to the NCP on Monday night after the governor invited the biggest single-party BJP and the second party, the Shiv Sena, to prove a majority to form the government.