A delegation of BJP leaders met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari today with an aim to stake claim to form the government in the meeting.
However, chances of this to happen are less, as per media sources, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was not a part of the delegation despite being elected as BJP Legislative Party leader in Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena is baffled by the reports that the BJP has claimed the support of 182 MLAs. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray called for an urgent meeting right away at his home. The party moved all its MLAs, to hotel Rangsharda in Bandra.
“The Mahayuti (BJP-Sena alliance) has won a clear majority and based on that, a government should have been formed. We discussed with the Governor the implications and legal options in the circumstances,” said Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil, adding that the party leadership would decide on the road ahead.
On the other hand, Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday accused the BJP of delaying the process of government formation in Maharashtra and creating a situation for the imposition of President’s rule.
“Why did the BJP leaders who met the governor today did not stake claim? Why did they return empty-handed? They want to create a situation for the imposition of President’s rule. The BJP does not have the numbers,” he said.
He also clarified on Sena shifting its MLAs to hotels. He said, “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.”
The BJP has refused to concede the Sena’s demand for a time-share on chief ministership in a “50:50 deal”. The BJP won 105 MLAs in the 288-member assembly and Sena, 56. Together they are well past the majority mark of 145 but the Sena wants equal partnership.