Amid BJP-Sena fallout, ally JD(U) breaks silence on Maha Guv's decision

On Wednesday, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Pavan Varma slammed Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for his “haste” in recommending the imposition of President’s Rule in the state. Varma contended that the Governor should have exhausted all possibilities of forming the government before taking such a step. This was JD(U)’s first official reaction to the political crisis in Maharashtra. Maintaining that the Governor was a constitutional authority who is supposed to act impartially keeping aside party politics, Varma opined that parties other than the BJP were not given sufficient time to stake claim.  

Read: Owaisi On Shiv Sena, NCP & Cong Alliance: 'Let Them Perform Nikah First'

The JD(U) spokesperson remarked, "The Maharashtra Governor has acted in haste. This happened because he is duty-bound to exhaust all political possibilities of forming the government before he recommends President's rule.”  He added, "The Governor is a constitutional authority by the definition and by the intention of the constitution. He or she acts as an impartial authority above party politics.” 

Read: Congress To Give Outside Support To Shiv Sena-NCP Govt In Maharashtra

President's Rule in Maharashtra

Despite the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance securing a comfortable majority in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, they could not form the government owing to a dispute over the Chief Minister’s post. After caretaker Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray traded barbs on November 8, BJP refused to accept the invite to form the government. While the Sena expressed its willingness for government formation, it requested 48 hours to garner the letters of support from the MLAs. This request was rejected by the Governor after which he invited NCP, the third-largest party. On Tuesday, the Shiv Sena challenged this order of Governor Koshyari by filing a writ petition in the Supreme Court.  However, when the NCP too asked for more time, the Governor recommended the imposition of President's Rule in the state. After the Union Cabinet approved the proposal, the President issued an official proclamation in this regard.  

Read: Paresh Rawal Quotes Shivaji Maharaj On BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Fallout

JD(U)-BJP relationship

The relationship of the JD(U) with the BJP has come under the spotlight since the latter openly criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his handling of the flood situation in Patna. On October 30, JD(U) asked for proportionate representation in the Union Cabinet. Initially, it had refused to join the Central government in June. Recently, when asked for a comment on Shiv Sena leaving the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Kumar stated that it did not matter to JD(U).  

(With ANI inputs)

Read: Nitish Kumar Breaks Silence On BJP-Shiv Sena Fallout's Impact On JD(U)