Maharashtra Government Formation Uncertainty: Sanjay Raut Hints at Deeper Issues
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Mumbai, Dec 2 (NationPress) As the suspense lingers concerning the creation of a new government in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked on Monday that the significant delay, almost 10 days after the Assembly election results were made public, suggests there could be factors at play beyond mere disputes over key ministerial roles.
In a statement to the press, the SS (UBT) leader highlighted the ongoing competition for the coveted home department among Mahayuti partners Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena, as well as the Nationalist Congress Party, which is reportedly obstructing the new government from assuming office.
“The process of forming a government cannot be stalled solely due to one position, home minister, especially after such a decisive majority. The BJP has successfully formed governments in several states before... However, this time it seems there may be additional factors involved. Is there an intention to replace Fadnavis? That is the question on people’s minds now,” Raut stated.
He expressed his disappointment that, despite the Mahayuti's overwhelming electoral success, they have not been able to provide governance to the citizens of the state, warning that if there is no resolution by Tuesday, “we will reveal our plans.”
He questioned what was truly hindering the Mahayuti from forming a government, given their strong electoral performance, asking “who is orchestrating this delay” and whether the Shinde-led Shiv Sena remains aligned with the BJP.
The SS (UBT) Chief Spokesperson recalled how, during negotiations with opposing parties prior to establishing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2019, they were cautioned against the mistake of conceding the home department or Speaker position to any other party.
These were critical issues then, as they are now, which likely contributed to the MVA government's collapse in June 2022, he noted.
“Why are Shinde and Fadnavis so insistent on securing the home department? Is it for the ceremonial police salutes or to potentially misuse police resources against political adversaries? Such tactics have occurred before and may recur,” asserted Raut.
He further inquired that if the BJP has not formally claimed the opportunity to form the government or received any invitation from the Governor, why have they already established a presence with tents, while ongoing discussions take place within the BJP and its allies?
“Are you operating the Raj Bhavan? Or is there an individual being considered to take Fadnavis's place, causing the delay in the government swearing-in ceremony?” Raut questioned.
On Monday, in response to various BJP leaders' assertions that the new government would be sworn in on December 5, SS (UBT)’s Aditya Thackeray, Raut, and others challenged the BJP’s authority to announce the oath-taking ceremony prior to receiving approval from the Raj Bhavan.
