BJP declines to form Maharashtra govt; this is what may happen next

On Sunday, a BJP delegation comprising Caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, senior ministers such as Pankaja Munde and Sudhir Mungantiwar met state’s Goverr Bhagat Singh Koshyari. It was communicated to him that BJP would t form government in state. This comes a day after Koshyari had asked Fadnavis to indicate his willingness for government formation. This has thrown up several scenarios, which might include a realignment of political parties in Maharashtra.  

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Post-poll alliance assumes significance

While re are specific guidelines as to whom Goverr should invite for government formation in case of a hung assembly,  Sarkaria Commission recommendations are usually relied upon. In current situation, pre-poll BJP-Shiv Sena (SS) alliance failed to materialise as latter remains adamant over CM’s post. As single-largest party BJP too relinquished its claim to form government, third option in order of preference as per  Sarkaria Commission guidelines- 'a post-poll alliance of parties' assumes significance. 

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Possible scenarios

However, as re is post-poll alliance as of w, Goverr might have to invite second-largest party Shiv Sena, that won 56 seats in Assembly elections.

• To form a stable government,  SS will have to take support of both Nationalist Congress Party (54 seats) and Congress (44 seats). This is because number of Independents and MLAs of smaller parties is only 13 and 16 respectively.
• Even if SS and NCP secure support of all n-BJP and n-Congress MLAs, y will still fall short of a majority by 5 seats if Congress doesn't join m.
• re is also a possibility of SS and NCP coming toger to form government with outside support of Congress party.
• On or hand, or pre-poll alliance of Congress and NCP does t stand a chance unless it solicits support of eir SS or BJP. 
• If ne of se equations work out, President's Rule will have to be imposed in Maharashtra. This, in turn, might lead to fresh elections being declared. 

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