Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday called for the implementation of President's Rule in Maharashtra following the end of the Assembly's term on November 26.
Speaking to the media, Raut criticised the Mahayuti alliance's inability to form a government despite securing a huge victory in the Assembly elections. He said, “They (Mahayuti) have got a massive majority, yet they have neither decided on the Chief Minister nor formed a government. When we were hopeful to form the government, we were told that if we failed to do so by November 26, President’s Rule would be imposed.”
VIDEO | "They (Mahayuti) have got a massive majority, still they have neither decided on CM nor have formed a government. When we were hopeful to form government, we were told that if we are unable to form government by November 26, the presidential rule will be imposed," says… pic.twitter.com/bO6fTI5F3y
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2024
Mahayuti Stalemate
The Mahayuti alliance, which won over 230 seats in the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, has yet to declare the next chief minister of the state. According to sources, while the alliance has decided on the chief minister, discussions over portfolio allocation among the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are delaying the announcement.
Once an agreement is reached, the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be officially announced, sources confirmed.
Raut Alleges EVM Manipulation, Demands Ballot Paper Voting
Raut also raised concerns over alleged Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) manipulation, claiming that it played a role in the defeat of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the recent elections. He remarked, “We have been raising the EVM issue for the last 10 years. When Congress was in power, the BJP questioned EVMs. Listen to Modi’s old speeches—he called EVMs a fraud. If EVMs are removed, BJP won’t win even 25 seats in the entire country.”
He further urged the Election Commission to revert to ballot paper voting, stating, “Conduct the elections on ballot papers, and whatever the results, we will accept them.”
Is Government Formation Mandatory?
According to legal experts and reports, including one by News18, there is no constitutional requirement for a government to be formed before the end of the Assembly's term. President’s Rule does not automatically come into effect if a government is not in place by the deadline.
Historical precedents show instances where governments were formed or Chief Ministers were sworn in after the term of the Assembly.