Mumbai, November 10: In the latest development in Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided not to form the government in the state. Caretaker Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other BJP leaders met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan today to convey party’s decision. On November 9, the governor invited the BJP to form the government in the state amid the political stalemate. Maharashtra Government Formation: From BJP-Led Minority Government to Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress Alliance, List of Likely Political Scenarios.

The decision of not forming the government was taken by the saffron after conducting two meetings today to respond to the governor's invitation. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil blamed the Shiv Sena for the political crisis in the state. While addressing the media, Patil said, “The mandate was given to us (BJP-Shiv Sena) to work together if Shiv Sena wants to disrespect it and form government with Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) then all our best wishes are with them.” Maharashtra Government Formation: BJP Needs Support of 25 MLAs to Stake Claim, Shiv Sena Continues Attack on Ally.

Chandrakant Patil's Statement:

The political crisis erupted in the state after the Shiv Sena refused to support as the BJP rejected its demand for Chief Ministerial post. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is claiming that before the elections the BJP had promised to implement a 50:50 formula including sharing CM post for 2.5 years. However, the BJP wants that the CM should be from its party. It also elected Fadnavis as the leader of the legislative party.

On Saturday, Thackeray met his party MLAs lodged in The Retreat hotel in Mumbai’s Malad. He assured them that the next CM in Maharashtra would from Shiv Sena. The Thackeray-led party also hinted at forming the government in the state in alliance with the Congress and the NCP. However, both the opposition parties had rejected reports of supporting the Shiv Sena.

In the elections for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, the BJP emerged as the single largest party. It bagged 105 seats, falling short of majority mark by 39 seats. The Shiv Sena won 56 seats. Meanwhile, the Congress remained victorious on 44 seats, and the NCP clinched 54 seats.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 10, 2019 07:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).