Maharashtra govt formation: Governor invites NCP to form government

Congress core group meeting is going to be held tomorrow at interim party president Sonia Gandhi's residence, over Maharashtra's political situation.

Yesterday, Eknath Shinde was called upon to express his willingness and ability to form government. Shiv Sena leaders met governor and submitted a letter expressing their willingness to form govt; however they couldn't submit the requisite letter of support from alliance partners.

The Governor has, therefore, asked the leader of elected members of the third largest party, Nationalist Congress Party, Ajit Pawar, to convey its willingness and ability to form the government to him

Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal and other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

Mumbai: Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal and other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/UygjGd4rxQ

— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2019

The BJP core team meeting has concluded. The political situation in the state was discussed in the meeting. On its basis, BJP is taking the stand of 'wait and watch', said BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar.

As per the procedure, Governor has given us the letter (to stake claim to form govt ) being the 3rd largest party in Maharashtra. We suggested him that we'll have to talk to our allies and we'll get back to him as early as possible. Deadline is 8.30 pm tomorrow, said NCP leader Jayant Patil.

Ajit Pawar, Dhananjay Munde and other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders arrive at Raj Bhavan to meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

"We have been called by the Governor, a delegation of our party is meeting him now. We've 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," said NCP leader Nawab Malik.

"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 did he call us. Governor is an important person so we are going to meet him," NCP's Ajit Pawar said.

"Neither ours nor NCP's letter has gone to Maharashtra Governor yet. It has been decided that two leaders will be sent for discussions with Pawar sa'ab (Sharad Pawar), state leaders will also be there. The next step will be taken after the discussion," said Congress leader Manikrao Thackeray.

Mallikarjun Kharge leaves 10 Janpath with Maharashtra Congress leaders after meeting with Sonia Gandhi.

"We've already issued a press note and we've mentioned that we've already discussed with working committee members and our PCC leaders. Our AICC President has spoken to Sharad Pawar ji. Further discussion will take place in Mumbai tomorrow," said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Maharashtra governor Koshiyari has rejected Shiv Sena's demand that extension of 48 hour be provided to prove their claim.

"We told the Guv that we're willing to form the govt. We asked him for at least 2 days time but we weren't given time. The claim (to form govt) wasn't denied but the time was. We'll continue to put in efforts to form govt in the state," said Aaditya Thackery.

Congress will hold talks with NCP.

Congress leader AK Antony has left after the meeting that was held at party interim President Sonia Gandhi's residence, over the political situation in Maharashtra concludes.

Delhi: Congress leader AK Antony leaves after the meeting, at party interim President Sonia Gandhi's residence, over the political situation in Maharashtra concludes. pic.twitter.com/T7jUFyqyvr

— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2019