BJP- Shivsena lock horns over president rule in Maharashtra

Mumbai:Reacting on BJP's statement that Maharashtra may head for President's rule if the new government isn't installed by November 7, the Shiv Sena on Saturday said "President's rule threat" by BJP  is an "insult" to the state and people's mandate. 

In an editorial, titled "Is President In Your Pocket? Insult To Maharashtra", in party's mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena  said the "threatening statement" by BJP minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is "unconstitutional" and "against democracy". Shiv Sena went on to compare BJP's "threat" of President's rule in Maharashtra to one issued by the Mughals. 

"It is like Mughal's diktat. The law and constitution are not anyone's slaves. We aren't responsible for the current condition of Maharashtra politics and the people of Maharashtra know it. We know what is law and constitution," Shiv Sena said.

"Mungantiwar's statements are a proof of the toxicity brewing with the party (BJP) and in his mind," read the article. "Is the President under your (BJP's) control or President's stamp is at BJP's office which will be used if party is not able to form government in the state and President's rule can be imposed in Maharashtra?" the article further reads.

It may be recalled that yesterday  Finance Minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar while talking to a TV Chanel said  if the government will not be formed by November 7,  the state may head for President's rule and the main hurdle in government formation in the was the Sena's demand for Chief Minister's post for 2.5 years.

"The question is why is the government not being formed in Maharashtra.... Who will give the answer? Should people of Maharashtra be held responsible for the announcement of a BJP leader becoming chief minister again and no claims to form government? The warning to impose President's rule is like Mughals threatening... ," the Sena further added in its editorial.(UNI)