NCP now eyes new year deadline for Maharashtra government formation

A day after the President's rule was imposed in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Wednesday stated that "Before the New Year, the new government should be formed." Furthermore, the NCP leader said, "We have formed a committee which includes representatives of the Congress party. We have requested to meet and discuss the issue as early as possible."

Coming to a conclusion with the Common Minimum Programme with Shiv Sena, Pawar said, "We can talk and come to a conclusion but we need to see how the talks are carried out with Sena. Before the new year, the new govt should be formed."

Read: NCP-Congress hold yet another core committee meeting amid President's rule

President's rule imposed in Maharashtra

President Ram Nath Kovind, on Tuesday, has accepted the Maharashtra Governor's recommendation and implemented President's rule in the state. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has confirmed that now Maharashtra assembly is under suspended animation after the President officially signed the order. If no party stakes claim within six months, fresh elections will be held in the state. Furthermore, MHA has stated that the Governor's report submitted to the department had said that it is unlikely that any party can form a stable government in the state. According to the MHA, the Governor had also shared that he had made all attempts to form a government but its attempts had failed. 

Read: NCP's Ajit Pawar: 'Will decide after discussion with Congress'

Sena's petition to SC

Earlier, Shiv Sena had approached the Supreme Court challenging the Maharashtra Governor's actions not allowing them 48 hours extension. However, the party has now changed their plan of action and will not list its plea challenging Maharashtra governor's action to not provide extra time to the party for government formation and thereby imposing President's rule. Speaking to Republic TV, Shiv Sena's advocate Sunil Fernandes said that they will not list the plea for urgent hearing, as they have not got the final nod from party's top leader. Sources said that Shiv Sena is going to file a new plea directly challenging the President's rule in Maharashtra.  

Read: Don't know why Guv has called, says NCP's Ajit Pawar after Sena denied

Read: 'Will discuss invite with Cong,' says NCP after duo leave Sena nowhere