Maharashtra: BJP Is Taking Stand Of 'Wait And Watch', Says Sudhir Mungantiwar

Maharashtra government formation updates: The Shiv Sena on Monday claimed that the NCP and Congress have agreed "in-principle" to back its government without the BJP in Maharashtra but failed to get letters of support from the political rivals before the deadline set by the Governor who rejected its plea for three more days to do so. As the impasse in government formation entered the 18th day and the prospect of President's rule loomed, the Congress appeared not wanting to take a hasty decision to align with its ideological rival, and decided to hold further talks with its pre-poll ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on the issue of supporting the Sena.

As the 7.30 pm deadline ended for Shiv Sena, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday night invited the NCP asking it to express "willingness and ability to form government". State unit NCP president Jayant Patil said the party will discuss the issue with  Congress and get back to the governor by 8:30 pm on Tuesday.

There has been no headway in government formation after results of the state Assembly polls were declared on October 24 in which the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena-56, NCP- 54 and Congress-44. So, will Maharashtra see a unique alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and the Congress today?

Maharashtra government formation updates: Highlights