Maha Governor refuses Sena request, invites NCP to form govt

22:38 November 11

Congress core group to meet tomorrow

According to reports, Congress core group meeting will be held tomorrow at interim party president Sonia Gandhi's residence. The party's course of action will be decided at the meeting. 

22:24 November 11

After opting out of Maha govt race, BJP in 'wait & watch' mode

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which has opted out of race for government formation in Maharashtra, has adopted a 'wait and watch' policy in the state, which is witnessing hectic activity in camps of major non-BJP parties.

Speaking to reporters after the core team meeting, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said, "We have decided to adopt a wait and watch policy on the current political situation. The BJP core committee has been closely watching the political developments here in Maharashtra. The meeting of the core committee is over and we will take the right decision," he said without elaborating.

21:52 November 11

How the numbers stack up

Even though more than two weeks have passed since the results were announced for the Maharashtra Assembly polls, there has been no headway into government formation as the picture gets murkier with each new political development. Since no single party has managed to get to 145 seats, the majority mark, the onus now lies on them to stitch together alliances. With the BJP pretty much rejecting its pre-poll partner Shiv Sena, the only other possibility for a majority government is if traditional rivals, NCP-Congress and the Shiv Sena join hands.

BJP (105) + Shiv Sena (56) = 161 
Shiv Sena (56) + NCP (54) + Congress (44) = 154

21:36 November 11

Guv gives 24 hours to NCP to muster numbers

Speaking to reporters, NCP leader Jayant Patil said, "As per the procedure, Governor has given us the letter (to stake claim to form government ) being the third largest party in Maharashtra. We suggested to him that we will have to talk to our allies and get back to him as early as possible. Deadline is 8.30 pm tomorrow."

21:16 November 11

NCP delegation meets Governor

Ajit Pawar, Dhananjay Munde other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

20:56 November 11

Further discussion with NCP tomorrow: Congress

Following the Congress meeting on the situation in Maharashtra, senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Prithviraj Chavan said that further discussion with ally NCP will take place tomorrow.

20:41 November 11

Guv called us up, will meet him: Ajit Pawar

Addressing a press briefing, senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar informed that the Governor called his party to meet him. Pawar said that he will be meeting the Governor, though he did not specify whether his party would stake claim to form the government.

"At 8:30 pm the Governor called us and asked me to come to meet him. Along with Chhagan Bhujbal, Jayant Patil and others, I am going to meet him. We have no idea as to why he called us. The Governor is an important person so we are going to meet him," he said.

Will hold discussions with Cong on govt formation: NCP

Addressing a press briefing, senior NCP leader Nawab Malik said that his party would hold discussions with ally Congress after being invited by the Governor to form the government.

"We have been called by the Governor, a delegation of our party is meeting him now. We have been called to form the govt. As per the letter given by the Governor we'll hold discussions with Congress and see how a stable govt can be provided to the state," he said.

"We will get the letter today and make a final decision by tomorrow after holding discussions with our ally Congress," he added.

20:32 November 11

Raj, C'garh CMs meet Maha Cong MLAs in Jaipur resort

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Bhupesh Baghel met newly elected Congress MLAs of Maharashtra in a resort on Jaipur's Delhi Road.

The two leaders reached the resort late in the evening and had an over half-an-hour-long meeting with the legislators. The Maharashtra MLAs are staying here since Friday.
         
After the two leaders left the resort, the MLAs too left for Gehlot's official residence in Civil Lines, where a dinner has been hosted by the chief minister in the honour of former President Pratibha Patil.

20:24 November 11

Governor rejected Sena's request for 3-day extension

"Delegation of Shiv Sena met the Governor and expressed willingness to form the government. However, they could not submit requisite letter of support.They submitted letter requesting 3-day extension for submitting letters of support. The Governor expressed inability to give further extension," an official statement said.

20:10 November 11

AIMIM will not support Sena-Cong-NCP govt: Owaisi

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said his party, which has two MLAs will not be supporting the prospective Sena-NCP-Congress government in Maharashtra and that a letter to the Governor would be sent shortly.

In a reference to the 'vote-cutter' jibes directed at his party in the run-up to the elections, Owaisi added, "I guess the crown of vote katwa cannot sit on my humble head. It rightly belongs to the Indian National Congress."

19:43 November 11

NCP-Cong in talks with us: Aaditya

After the meeting with the Governor, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray told reporters outside Raj Bhavan that his party's claim on formation of a government still stands, as the two parties have agreed "in-principle" to support the Sena-led government. He didn't take names of the Congress and the NCP.
         
Aaditya claimed that Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari refused to grant more time to the Sena to muster numbers.
    
"We have initiated talks with two parties. Both the parties have expressed their support in-principle to the Sena," he said.

"Both parties (Congress-NCP) have been speaking to us, MLAs have been speaking to us. As talks are on. As the second largest party, it was our right to come here," he added.

"We informed the Maharashtra governor about our willingness to stake a claim for government formation. Shiv Sena MLAs have already issued their support in written," he said.

Thackeray further added that Maharashtra needs a stable government and as the second largest party, Shiv Sena has the responsibilty to form the government.

19:32 November 11

Congress to have 'further discussion' with NCP 

"The Congress Working Committee met this morning and had a detailed discussion on the situation in Maharashtra after which a consultation was held with Maharashtra Congress leaders," a statement from the Congress said.

"The Congress President has spoken to Shri Sharad Pawar Ji. The party will have further discussion with NCP," it added.

19:24 November 11

BJP followed alliance 'dharma', will sit in Oppn for now: Shaina NC

In a telephonic conversation with ETV Bharat, BJP spokesperson Shaina NC said that the party will play the role of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly "for now" as it failed to cross the half-way mark on its own. She said that though the BJP was following its principles, Shiv Sena, who once "fought against corruption", is now joining hands with corrupt parties. "They're going against our ideology and principles," she said.

"Based on our solid performance in 2014, we could have fought the elections in 2019 alone. But we followed the yuti dharma. We had a strike rate of 70 per cent. For the sake of the people of Maharashtra, we will sit in the Opposition for now," she added.

19:23 November 11

Aaditya Thackeray, Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena leaders with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.

19:07 November 11

No decision yet: KC Venugopal

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal said that no decision has yet been taken on supporting Shiv Sena, and that no letter of support has been sent to the Raj Bhawan.

18:53 November 11

Three independents reach Raj Bhawan

Independent Candidate Baburao Kadu was also seen at the Raj Bhawan. "Three of us (independent candidates) have come here. Whosoever Uddhav Sahab will decide, will be the Chief Minister," he said.

18:36 November 11

Sena leaders reach Raj Bhawan

According to reports, Shiv Sena leaders Eknath Shinde and Aaditya Thackeray have reached Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's residence.

18:28 November 11

Congress decides to support outside support to Shiv Sena

According to sources, the Congress has decided to offer outside support to Shiv Sena and the letter of support has been sent to Raj Bhawan.

18:10 November 11

Sena leaders en route Guv's residence

According to reports, Shiv Sena leaders Eknath Shinde and Aaditya Thackeray are en route Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's residence to stake claim to form the government.

17:47 November 11

Sonia speaks to party MLAs

Following the call with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi reportedly spoke to some party MLAs from Maharashtra who are currently lodged in a Jaipur hotel.

17:19 November 11

Uddhav Thackeray calls Sonia Gandhi

According to reports, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray spoke to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and sought her party's support to form a government in Maharashtra.
         
The phone call from Thackeray to Gandhi came before the Congress held a crucial meeting for a second time in the day to decide on whether or not to support the Shiv Sena.

17:15 November 11

According to sources, interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi's office is verifying claims of the party MLAs who are in support of an alliance with Shiv Sena

16:29 November 11

Final decision only after meeting with Sonia Gandhi, say Congress leaders

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that the current political situation in Maharashtra was extensively discussed at the Congress Working Committee meeting earlier in the day. He added that interim party president Sonia Gandhi has called for a meeting with Maharashtra Congress leaders at 4 pm, where a detailed discussion would take place.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, former Maharashtra Congress chief Manikrao Thakre said that the party's future course of action would be decided at the meeting.

Reacting to reports of an internal division within the Congress over the prospect of supporting Shiv Sena, Thakre said that all views would be taken into consideration at the meeting and only then will a decision be taken.

16:16 November 11

AK Antony, Ahmed Patel arrive at Sonia Gandhi's residence

Congress leaders AK Antony and Ahmed Patel arrive at interim party president Sonia Gandhi's residence. Mharashtra Congress leaders have been called to the national capital for further discussions over the political situation in Maharashtra.

14:19 November 11

BJP spokesperson Shaina NC talks to ETV Bharat over BJP's move in Maha

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shaina NC, while speaking to ETV Bharat, said although BJP had emerged as the single largest party even after the election, they chose to be in the opposition. 

Shaina asserted their party wants to do away with the idea of creating government manipulations of any kind. 

As far as Shiv Sena is concerned, Shaina said that BJP had always stood its ground whenever the concern of alliance had emerged. 

Referring to former Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shaina said that the state had faired well with no corruption under his leadership. 

She further asserted that Fadnavis' contribution resulted in the saffron party bagging the highest number of seats, in the recently concluded state assembly elections. 

13:43 November 11

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant resigns after BJP denied forming govt in Maha

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant resigned from the ministerial post of PM Modi led NDA government after the BJP denied forming government in Maharashtra. 

13:40 November 11

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant addresses media

"BJP went back from their pre-election promises.

It would not have been morally right for me to continue in the Centre, so I have resigned as Union Minister."

13:38 November 11

Maha impasse: Uddhav meets Pawar in Mumbai

Mumbai: Amid the stalemate over government formation in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray met NCP president Sharad Pawar here on Monday, sources said.

The Sena chief was accompanied by his son Aaditya Thackeray as he called on Pawar at an undisclosed location, they said.

The Congress and NCP are at present holding parleys at their respective party levels on whether to support a Shiv Sena-led government in the state.

The two parties have already declared that whatever the decision, they will take it together.

13:10 November 11

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to meet NCP Chief Sharad Pawar

12:42 November 11

NCP meeting concludes, Nawab Malik says, 'We are waiting for Congress'

NCP leader Nawab Malik

NCP leader Nawab Malik, after the core party meeting on Maha government formation, stated they are waiting for Congress' decision. 

He said, "We fought elections together and whatever will be decided, it will be decided together."

12:23 November 11

Congress Working Committee meeting ends in Delhi

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge says, "We have called our Maharashtra leaders to Delhi for further discussion, the meeting will be held at 4 pm."

10:37 November 11

Can we contest future elections with Shiv Sena, asks Congress' Sanjay Nirupam

As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena showed signs of a potential alliance to form government in Maharashtra, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said that the political instability in the state cannot be ruled out.

The Congress leader also asserted that early elections are likely in Maharashtra and raised a question on contesting future polls with Shiv Sena as a partner.

Nirupam had on Saturday warned Congress-NCP of a tie-up with Shiv Sena terming it as a disastrous move.

10:31 November 11

Sanjay Raut on Guv's invite to Shiv Sena to 'indicate willingness to form govt in Maha'

Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Raut on BJP

"It would have been easier if Governor gave us more time. BJP was given 72 hrs whereas we have been given lesser time. 

It's a strategy of BJP to impose President's rule in state."

10:27 November 11

BJP reluctant to follow 50-50 formula: Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Raut on BJP

Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Raut on BJP

"It is BJP's arrogance that they are refusing to form government in Maharashtra. It is an insult to the people of Maharashtra. They are willing to sit in opposition, but they are reluctant to follow the 50-50 formula, for which they agreed before polls."

10:24 November 11

BJP's core group meeting in Mumbai today

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) core group meeting to be take place at the residence of Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.

10:22 November 11

Senior Congress leaders meet Sonia Gandhi in Delhi

Senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, KC Venugopal, and Mallikarjun Kharge arrive for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at party interim President Sonia Gandhi's residence to discuss the political situation in Maharashtra.

10:07 November 11

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's reaction on Sena MP Arvind Sawant's resignation

"I haven't had a word with anyone regarding anyone’s resignation. We'll have a word with Congress today. Whatever decision is to be taken will be done only after discussion with Congress," says Pawar. 
 

Pawar will chair Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) core group meeting which is scheduled to be held today in Mumbai, over the current political scenario in the state.

08:41 November 11

Sena MP announces resignation, to hold press meet at 11 am

New Delhi: Union Minister from Shiv Sena, Arvind Sawant on Monday announced that he will be resigning from his post from the Prime minister Narendra Modi led government. 

Sawant has scheduled press conference at 11 am in New Delhi today. 

"Shiv Sena is on the side of the truth. In such an atmosphere why should I be in the central government? I am resigning from my ministerial post. I will conduct a press conference today at 11 am for the same," he tweeted. 

Sawant swore in as Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Industries after 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His resignation came amid the latest political developments in Maharashtra. 

BJP has cleared that it would not be forming government in Maharashtra owing to its relations with its ally Shiv Sena that turned bitter after Assembly polls. Shiv Sena has asked for the chief ministerial post, a demand which was turned down by BJP which is the single largest party in Maharashtra. 

The NDA alliance 'Mayayuti' had received an absolute majority in Maharashtra after the BJP won 105 and Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. 

Later, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) hinted at backing Shiv Sena on a condition that the latter party will have to sever its ties with its-ally BJP.

"BJP has expressed its inability to form the government in Maharashtra. If the Shiv Sena wants support from the NCP, they will have to announce that they have severed their all relations with the BJP and their ministers in the Central government resign as well," Senior NCP leader Nawab Malik said.

NCP has 54 MLAs while its alliance partner Congress which bagged 44 seats in Assembly polls. 

READ: Maharashtra Governor invites Shiv Sena to form government