Mumbai / Maharashtra Governor rejects Shiv Sena's request for 48 hours to form govt

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday rejected Shiv Sena's request for an extension of three days to stake claim to form the government.

A statement issued by the governor's office read: Delegation of Shiv Sena met Guv and expressed willingness to form govt. However, they couldn't submit requisite letter of support. They submitted letter requesting 3-day extension for submitting letters of support. Guv expressed inability to give further extension

Aditya Thackeray said, "Yesterday we were asked by the governor to form the government. We have started discussions with other parties. We have expressed willingness to form the government. We have asked for more time, but the Governor has refused to give us more time."

Addressing the media outside Raj Bhavan, he said, "We told the governor that we are willing to form the government. We asked him for at least 2 days' time but we weren't given time. The claim (to form govt) wasn't denied but the time was. We'll continue to put in efforts to form govt in the state."

"We have expressed willingness for forming a stable government in Maharashtra. We are the second-largest party in the state and we have come here to express our willingness as was asked of us. Cannot disclose details of the ongoing talks with other parties," he added.

Congress which has offered outside support to the Shiv Sena has not yet issued a letter of support. A letter of support will be offered by tomorrow.

The Congress will again hold talks with NCP on Tuesday. Congress leader KC Venugopal issued a statement following the party meeting at Sonia Gandhi's residence. Venugopal has said, "The Congress president has spoken to Sharad Pawar ji. The party will have further discussion with NCP."

Nearly two-and-a-half weeks after the Maharashtra election results were announced, the state has no government.

But on Sunday, the Maharashtra deadlock seemed a little closer to resolution as the BJP said that it would not be forming the government in the western state.

Hours after the BJP declined to form government in Maharashtra on Sunday, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Sunday night asked the Shiv Sena to "indicate the willingness and ability" of the party to stake a claim, mounting suspense over the formation of government in the state.

While the Shiv Sena has been making efforts to reach out to the NCP and the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led party said the Sena will have to walk out of the NDA first. Congress is expected to provide outside support to the Shiv Sena-NCP government.

Aaditya Thackeray and the leader of elected members of Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde met the Governor on Monday to show Shiv Sena's willingness to form the government.