President's rule imposed in Maharashtra; Ram Nath Kovind approves Cabinet's recommendation

Earlier in the day the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the recommendation for President's rule in Maharashtra, where political uncertainty prevailing over the formation of government.

The Cabinet took the decision on the basis of report submitted by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, which was recommending President's rule in the state as parties were unable to form the government.

"The Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat 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 contemplated 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.

The sources, however said that the NCP had requested more time to present their claim, which prompted the Governor to recommend President's rule in the state.

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 senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal, deputed by Ms Gandhi, are currently in meeting with the NCP in Mumbai.