CPI(M) condemns President's rule in Maharashtra, says it was 'hasty decision'

In a statement, the Left party pointed out that the Governor had given time till 8:30 PM to the NCP leader, Sharad Pawar, to claim support of the majority of the elected MLAs to form the government.

"Even before the deadline set by him was over, he recommends the imposition of Article 356 by the President of India," it alleged.

The party further said that a hurriedly-called Union Cabinet meeting, just before the Prime Minister's departure abroad, endorsed the Governor's recommendation and forwarded it to the President for the imposition of Central rule.

"All these developments directly contravene the Supreme Court judgment in the Bommai case where it has been categorically stated that the only place where the claim to form a government can be established through a majority of the elected members is the Floor of the House," the CPI(M) alleged.

"Without going through the procedures laid down by law, the BJP has acted in this manner, thus, brazenly violating our Constitutional order," it added.

The Left party also alleged that: "it is clear that utilising the period of President's rule, the BJP will indulge in all the methods in its arsenal to manufacture a majority for itself as it has done in several states earlier."

The CPI(M) said that this is another assault on the Indian Constitution by the Modi government and added that this must be resolutely opposed by all secular democratic forces.