BJP, Shiv Sena demand President's rule in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Nov. 4 : The BJP and Shiv Sena have demanded President''s rule in Maharashtra where a deadlock over the formation of government is continuing due to differences between Congress and the NCP over sharing of key portfolios.

The NCP and Congress alliance gained majority after winning 144 out of 288 seats in last month''s assembly elections, but both parties have failed to reach a consensus.

The Congress, which has emerged stronger after the elections, wants the NCP to part with at least two of five key departments, - Home, Finance, Energy, Rural Development and Tribal Development.

And the NCP is not ready to part with the ministries of Home, Finance and Energy but it is prepared to exchange the remaining Urban Development and Social Justice portfolios.

A delegation of BJP and Shiv Sena legislators met the state Governor S C Jamir and urged upon on him to advise President''s rule in view of the delay in the formation of a stable government.

"They have the majority and they should form the government within 24 hours else the Governor should tell the central (federal) government that President rule be imposed in the state of Maharashtra," said Subhash Desai, leader of Shiv Sena.

Eknath Khadse, leader of BJP opined that the Governor too was keen on early formation of the government.

"He has told us that such a situation should not remain in the state for long and he will take a decision on this. When the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister came to meet the Governor yesterday, he told them very bluntly that the situation is not good and they should immediately start the process of forming the government,” BJP leader Eknath Khadse said.

--ANI