BJP & Shiv Sena had agreed on sharing CM’s post, only seeking what was decided: Raut
Raut also ruled out any new proposal for government formation, claiming that the Shiv Sena expects the implementation of what was decided and agreed upon before the elections
Amid reports of Shiv Sena using its position to extort the Chief Minister’s post from its ally, senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut clarified that his party is only seeking what was agreed upon before the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
As the stalemate over the formation of government continues, Raut said the Sena has not sent any fresh proposal to the BJP nor received any from it.
When asked if the two parties had explicitly agreed on sharing the chief minister’s post if elected to power, the Rajya Sabha member said, “There was a consensus on the post before elections.”
He also ruled out any new proposal for government formation, claiming that the Shiv Sena expects the implementation of what was decided and agreed upon before the elections.
“Why waste time on new proposals. We want a discussion on what was agreed upon earlier. No new proposal has been received or sent,” he said.
On the possibility of imposition of President’s rule in the state, Raut said, “We will not be responsible for it. Those conspiring to do this are insulting the people’s mandate.”
In the recently concluded polls, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.
However, the incumbent combine of BJP and Shiv Sena hasn’t staked claim to form a government amid an ongoing standoff over the CM’s post, even as back-channel negotiations continue.
Meanwhile, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP has assured the Shiv Sena that it could provide an alternative for government formation if required.
