The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP,) on the 15th of November, announced it would become an ally of the Shiv Sena party in Maharashtra and form the Government.
NCP President Sharad Pawar and the Indian National Congress (INC) finally put an end to the alliance issue and decided to support the Shiv Sena against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP.)
The decision came two days after the implementation of President’s rule in Maharashtra. After the political parties failed to form the State Government, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the Governor of Maharashtra, suggested President’s rule be imposed in the State. Mr. Koshyari’s recommendation was approved by Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India.
However, on the 15th of November, the NCP and the INC conducted a meeting and announced their alliance with the Shiv Sena. Sanjay Raut, the Spokesperson of the Shiv Sena, said, “Talks are on with the Congress and the NCP to work out a common minimum programme which will be in the interest of the state and its people. Whether it is a single party government or an alliance, an agenda for governance is necessary. There are infrastructure projects to be taken forward, (and issues related to) drought, unseasonal rains (are to be tackled). Those coming with us are experienced administrators. We will benefit from their experience.”
When asked if the Shiv Sena would get the Chief Minister’s post, Nawab Malik of the NCP said the same question has been asked repeatedly. He said it was the Chief Minister’s post over which the BJP and the Shiv Sena fought and eventually ended their alliance. Therefore, it is obvious the CM would be from the Shiv Sena party. He further said the Shiv Sena was disrespected and the NCP is going to get the Shiv Sena’s respect back.
The BJP and the Shiv Sena are no more allies in Maharashtra. After winning the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Shiv Sena and the BJP were fighting over the CM’s post, which ultimately led to the parties ending their alliance.
The alliance of the NCP and the Shiv Sena is said to be a good opportunity for the NCP and the INC to become powerful in the State, even though the NCP made it clear the State would be under the leadership of the Shiv Sena.
After the formal announcement, the NCP and the Shiv Sena are expected to meet Bhagat Singh Koshyari on the 16th of November, at 3:00 P.M. The meeting is scheduled to discuss farmers’ issues.
Stay tuned for further updates.
