KISSA KURSI KA
The imposition of President’s Rule in Maharashtra after the conclusion of the Vidhan Sabha Election has taken everybody by surprise. What is most shocking is the tug-of-war for the CM’s ‘kursi’ between the so-called grand alliance of the BJP-Shiv Sena.
Though the BJP and Shiv Sena won a majority and the Alliance was ideally set to form a robust government, but Sena became adamant to have its own CM for half the tenure. The Shiv Sena reminded BJP of the pre-poll promise of the 50-50 formula. Surprisingly, the BJP declined to sign the 50-50 formula! Disappointed at the double standards of the BJP, Shiv Sena decided to back out, bringing an end to the dreams of BJP-Shiv Sena forming a government in Maharashtra.
It is, indeed, surprising how political parties change colours for the elusive ‘kursi’! A perfect picture of this betrayal was thus seen with the two parties that have been contesting election for many decades moving apart at this crucial juncture.
The move to impose President’s Rule in Maharashtra came after the NCP, the Congress and the Shiv Sena could not form a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) before the deadline. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari even invited Sharad Pawar’s NCP to express its willingness and possibility of forming a government in the state. Since none of the opposition parties like the Congress or NCP could win the majority and with BJP-Shiv Sena breaking alliance, the Governor was forced to impose President’s Rule as no political party could muster a majority to form the government.
It may be noted that President’s Rule implies the suspension of a state government and the imposition of direct rule of the Centre. This is achieved through the invocation of Article 356 of the Constitution by the President on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. Under Article 356, the administration of the state is controlled by the Governor of the state. The state falls under the direct control of the Union government and the Governor continues to be the head of the proceedings, representing the President of India who is the Head of the State, till the President’s Rule is not removed.
It may be noted that the President’s Rule law is not permanent. The Governor of a state has the discretion to consider all equations and combinations. Thus, in Maharashtra though President’s Rule has been imposed, but still the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP are close to making a Common-Minimum Programme and form the government. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray met Maharashtra Congress leaders and has assured the media that the talks for Maharashtra government formation were progressing in the “right direction” and soon President’s Rule will be removed and a government formed!!
