Maharashtra: Shiv Sena Asks BJP Not To Misuse Interim Govt Norm

As the stalemate over government formation continues in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena on Friday asked the BJP not to misuse the provision of “caretaker” government to remain in power in the state. Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the BJP should approach the Uddhav Thackeray-led party only if it agrees to share the chief minister’s post.

“The BJP shouldn’t prolong the caretaker provision and act from behind the curtains. We won’t mind if the BJP, as the single largest party, stakes claim and forms the government,” the Rajya Sabha MP said.

Sena has asked the BJP to follow the '50:50 power-sharing formula', claiming that it had been agreed to before the 2019 Lok Sabha election. However, Chief Minister Fadnavis has said that there was no agreement on the 50:50 formula.

Earlier, Raut had met NCP chief Sharad Pawar at his residence. The NCP and the Congress won 54 and 44 seats, respectively, in the election to the 288-member assembly where the majority mark is 145.

On Thursday, while addressing the media after meeting the governor, Sanjay Raut said that the party will show the numbers on the floor of the house. “We have alternatives, we don't speak without options and alternatives,” Raut said.

Raut also advised BJP to form the government if they have the numbers. “If you don't have the numbers then admit it. Constitution is for the people of this country, it is not BJP's personal property. We know the constitution well. We'll form CM of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra constitutionally” Raut added.

Downplaying the Sena’s decision to shift all its MLAs to a hotel in suburban Bandra, Raut said, “Not all legislators have homes in Mumbai. So, the party has decided to ensure they get facilities under one roof.”

After Thackeray chaired a meeting of the Sena MLAs at his residence here, all the legislators were shifted to Rangsharda Hotel in suburban Bandra, amid the political uncertainty and fear of cross over.

Raut also said that there is no change in the Shiv Sena’s stand on government formation and all the legislators support Uddhav Thackeray.