New Delhi:
Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Saturday asked the leader of elected members of the second-largest party, the Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde to indicate the willingness and ability of his party to form the government in Maharashtra.
Yesterday, Devendra Fadnavis of the Bharatiya Janata Party was called upon to express his willingness and ability to form government. However, today, he has shown unwillingness.
The Governor has, therefore, asked the leader of elected members of the second largest party, Shiv Sena, to convey its willingness and ability to form the government to him. Shiv Sena will have to stake claim before 7:30 pm today.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan said the party didn't want President's rule in Maharashtra, indicating that the party is in the game.
Newly-elected MLAs of Congress are currently staying in Jaipur.
"We are in Jaipur. We will discuss the issue here and will seek advice for the future political stand. The party doesn't want president's rule in the state," Chavan told reporters.
Chavan said he was in favour of forming a stable government in Maharashtra.
Another Congress leader Milind Deora said the governor should invite NCP-Congress alliance to form government, a proposal opposed by another leader Sanjay Nirupam.
The NCP led by Sharad Pawar seems to have adopted a wait-and-watch approach.
Reacting to the BJP's decision to not form the government, senior NCP leader Nawab Malik said the party will take a decision only after the Sena walks out of the NDA and gives a formal proposal seeking support to form a government.
