No compromise evident in Maharashtra

The tussle between the BJP and Sena in Maharashtra shows no signs of ending. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut asserted that the chief minister of Maharashtra would be from the Shiv Sena. This shows that the ruling BJP and its long-time ally are no closer to an understanding that is necessary for government formation.

The Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena only. The face and politics of Maharashtra is changing, you will see. What you call hungama (commotion) is not hungama but the fight for justice and rights… victory will be ours. – Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena MP

Raut also said that the decision on Maharashtra will be taken in Maharashtra. On Tuesday meetings were held in Delhi between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP chief Amit Shah and the other between Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The term of the Maharashtra assembly ends on Saturday and a government has to be in place by then.

BJP and Shiv Sena won a clear majority together with 161 seats in the 288-member assembly, but are feuding over how to share power. The Sena is insisting on a “50:50” deal in which a chief minister from each party will have half the five-year term.

The Sena is trying to get support from other sources like the independents, the NCP and Congress. The Congress president Sonia Gandhi has turned down any arrangement with the Sena.

The BJP says it has the support of 115 MLAs. The Shiv Sena won 56 and claims the support of 63. If there is no deal before the term of the assembly expires, the state may head towards President’s Rule.

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