Maharashtra tussle: Governor recommends President's rule

According to sources, the Union Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the recommendation for President's rule, based on the report submitted by Maharashtra Governor, reported UNI news agency.

"The Governor of Maharashtra Bhgat Singh Koshyari having been satisfied that as the government of the state of Maharashtra cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution, has today submitted a report as comtemplated by the provisions of Art 356 of the Constitution," a release issued by office of the Governor said through twitter.

It is noted that the Governor's recommendation for President's rule in the state came when he had given time to the NCP till 2030 hours today to prove that they have numbers to form the government.

Earlier, the Governor had given time to the BJP to form the government. However, the saffron party informed its unwillingness to form the government, after its ally Shiv Sena demanded an equal power sharing.

The Governor had also invited Sena to prove that they have numbers before 1830 hours on Monday, but they failed to present adequate numbers, because the Congress has delayed its decision over giving support to a Sena-NCP government in the state.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Congress president Sonia Gandhi had talked to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and deputed senior leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal to hold further discussions with Pawar in Mumbai.

According to reports, the Shiv Sena is planning to approach Supreme Court against Governor's decision.