Maharashtra government formation HIGHLIGHTS: From vote-counting day to Fadnavis swearing-in as CM again

As we wait with bated breaths for the political hysteria in Maharashtra to climax, follow Deccan Herald and click HERE to get the latest updates on the ongoing tussle.

. "Our people are there. The registry is open now. They will decide on the urgency of the case. Petition on behalf of three parties have been filed, SC Registry is processing it for further action,” senior advocate Devadutt Kamat for the three parties said.

. The NCP on Saturday removed Ajit Pawar as its legislature party leader after he joined hands with the BJP to form a government and took oath as the deputy chief minister of the state.

. Overnight Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray’s fortunes changed. He was, until the early morning of November 23, the consensus candidate of three parties including his own for the post of chief minister. But in a bloodless coup of sorts or as Uddhav himself phrased it, a “purgical strike”, it was Devendra Fadnavis who was back again as CM in a surreptitious morning ceremony.

. Shiv Sena leaders Milind Narvekar and Eknath Shinde brought with them 2 NCP MLAs Sanjay Bansod and Babasaheb Patil at YB Chavan Center from the Mumbai airport. The two NCP MLAs are said to be with NCP leader Ajit Pawar.

. 42 NCP MLAs are present in the meeting with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai; Visuals from outside YB Chavan Centre.

. Shiv Sena approaches Supreme Court against "arbitrary, malafide actions/decisions" of Maha governor: Party sources

. Samajwadi Party state president Abu Asim Azmi to meet NCP president Sharad Pawar.

"Ajit Pawar backstabbed Pawar saheb," he said

. Devendra Fadnavis promised to put Ajit Pawar in jail but has made him deputy CM now: Randeep Singh Surjewala.

. BJP scared opportunist Ajit Pawar, formed illegal govt by acting as a contract killer for democracy: Cong's Randeep Singh Surjewala

. A long-drawn political battle seems to be on the anvil in Maharashtra on the government formation issue in Maharashtra even as Devendra Fadnavis has taken oath for the second time with the backing of an apparently breakaway faction of NCP led by Ajit Pawar.

. Devendra Fadnavis said that the decision to join hands with Ajit Pawarwas in the interest of Maharashtra: Fadnavis

. Devendra Fadnavis thanksPM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda and state president Chandrakant Patil. He assured that the government will run for 5 years.

. With the sudden change in the political scenario,the office of Maharashtra governorBhagat Singh Koshyari, has come under focus.

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that NCP's Ajit Pawar was "blackmailed" into joining hands with the BJP to form government in Maharashtra.

. Some people are talking about Chhatrapati Shivaji's legacy, I would just ask him not to talk about Chhatrapati Shivaji, at least, who compromised his views for power, says Prasad.

. Those who could not survive the ideals of the venerable Bala Saheb Thackeray have nothing to say about them. His authentic Congress protest is evident, his patriotism and nationalism and dedication to India's culture are authentic: Prasad.

. And, on the insistence of a permanent government, a large section of the government, led by Devendra Fadnavis, comes and cooperates with Ajit Pawar, it is called the killing of democracy: Prasad

. It is said that democracy has been murdered. Is it not the killing of democracy when Shiv Sena is motivated by selfishness and breaking its 30-year friendship with its abject opponents?: Prasad

. Sharad Pawar and Congress made a statement after the result that we have got a public opinion to sit in the opposition. So how was it match-fixing for the opposition-sitting opinion chair: Prasad.

. Congress is planning to move its MLAs out of Maharashtra. They will be moved to a Congress-ruled state.

ANI

. It was a moral and electoral win for BJP-led alliance in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections. The mandate was for BJP, says BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad.

. BJP Rajya Sabha members and his sons Dr Nilesh Rane and Nitesh Rane, MLA, congratulate CM Devendra Fadnavis.

. I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant: BJP leader Nitin Gadkari

. As per our knowledge, the governor has given time till November 30, we will defeat them in the speaker's election: NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik

. The "clandestine" manner in which Devendra Fadnavis was sworn-in as the chief minister of Maharashtra will be written in black ink in the history of the state, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said on Saturday.

. Tamil Nadu's principal Opposition DMK on Saturday termed the political developments in Maharashtra as "disgusting and despicable" and said misuse of the offices of President and Governor has sounded the "death knell" for democracy.

In a series of tweets, DMK President M K Stalin said legal principles and political morality stand defeated at the hands of opportunist politics. "What does one compare the disgusting and despicable political situation in Maharashtra to? Terming it a murder of democracy would not even be sufficient, it would seem, " Stalin said. He also alleged that the country's revered constitutional principles have been thrown to the bin by these actions.

Read the full report here .

. Hitting out at Devendra Fadnavis being sworn-in as the Maharashtra chief minister, the Congress on Saturday alleged that the governor was once again proved to be BJP chief Amit Shah's "hitman", while asserting that the "illegitimate" government formation will self-destruct.

The month-long political impasse in Maharashtra ended dramatically on Saturday with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Fadnavis returning as the chief minister, backed by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Read the full report here .

. Our joint meeting was good. Today we were to meet again but what happened in the morning is shameful. We have no words, says Ahmed Patel. He adds, "We have not delayed by even a minute."

"In confidence vote we will defeat the BJP. The three parties are together," says Ahmed Patel.

. This day will be a black spot in the history of Maharashtra. Everything was done in a hushed manner and early morning. Something is wrong somewhere. Nothing can be more shameful than this, says Ahmed Patel. He adds that first the BJP was invited, then Sena, then NCP, the Congress was never invited by Raj Bhavan.

He further says, "The Governor relied on an unverified letter (given by Ajit Pawar) and called for swearing in."

. Congratulating Devendra Fadnavis on becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra once again, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said the Shiv Sena betrayed the people of the state by deciding to go with the Congress, which was "synonymous with corruption". He also said that despite the Congress being against the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Sena decided to join hands with it.

Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister of Maharashtra and Ajit Pawar of the NCP as his deputy on Saturday morning.

. I'm sure Governor has given them time to prove majority but they won't be able prove it. After that our three parties will form the government as we had decided earlier, says Sharad Pawar. He adds that parties had their MLAs list signed by all MLAs, a similar list of NCP was with Ajit Pawar, as he is CLP of NCP. "I assume that he has submitted the same list. I am not sure about this but I suspect that this may be the case. We will discuss with Governor," says Pawar.

. He also adds that Ajit Pawar's decision is 'against the party line' and is 'indiscipline'. "No NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government," he says.

. Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena were prepared to form the government. NCP (54), Congress (44) and Shiv Sena (56) MLAs plus others/independents were together, says Sharad Pawar.

. Sharad Pawar is accompanied by state unit chief Jayant Patil and national general secretary Praful Patel. Uddhav Thackeray is accompanied by son Aditya, leaders Sanjay Raut, Anil Desai, Subhash Desai and Anil Parab.

. The Kerala unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a partner of the state's ruling LDF, on Saturday condemned party leader Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the government in Maharashtra, saying he fell into the "trap" of the saffron party. Senior NCP leader and party MLA Mani C Kappen urged the central leadership to initiate steps to disqualify Ajit Pawar and his supporters on the basis of anti-defection law. ( PTI )

. Congress was stunned into silence after NCP pulled off a coup to join hands with the BJP to support Devendra Fadnavis' return as Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

"Surreal what I read about Maharashtra. Thought it was fake news," Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said soon after reports of Fadnavis taking over as Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar as his deputy.

Read the full report here .

. The surprise turn of events in Maharashtra can be seen as history repeating itself, almost after 13 years when a similar ‘split’ in JD(S) installed H D Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister with the support of the BJP.

Switch to November 2019, a split in the NCP has seen Ajit Pawar, the nephew of NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar walking away from the party and supporting BJP to form the government in Maharashtra by ensuring the post of the Deputy Chief Minister for himself.

Read the full report here .

. Which direction are they taking democracy to?asks Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

. Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut on Saturday said NCP leader Ajit Pawar had stabbed the Sena in the back by joining hands with the BJP to form the government in Maharashtra.

Talking to reporters, Raut also said the state will never forgive Ajit Pawar for this act of his. "Ajit Pawar has stabbed the Shiv Sena in the back. Joining hands with the BJP to form the government is betrayal," he said.

Read the full report here .

. Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi on Saturday expressed surprise at the political developments in Maharashtra and said the Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena negotiations took too long as the window was grabbed by "fast movers".

The month-long political impasse ended dramatically with Devendra Fadnavis returning as the chief minister again, backed by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. NCP leader Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as the deputy chief minister at the Raj Bhavan.

Read the full report here .

. BJP - 105 Shiv Sena - 56 NCP - 54 Congress - 44 Others/Independents - 29

Total strength: 288 Magic figure for working majority: 145

. An astute politician with ears to the ground and eyes on the horizon, 49-year-old Devendra Fadnavis has emerged as one of the most trusted team members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The leader with a 'Mr. Clean' image and the face of 'Common Man' - has surpassed many stalwarts in Maharashtra politics. As he was sworn in as Maharashtra CM for a second term, he proved his political acumen.

Even after President's rule was imposed, he continued to occupy Varsha, the Malabar Hill residence of Maharashtra CM. There were jokes and memes on his assertion "me punha aiyel" (I will come back again) - but now he has proved that he is a comeback man.

Read the full report here .

. I would like to express my gratitude to NCP's Ajit Pawar ji, he took this decision to give a stable government to Maharashtra & come together with BJP. Some other leaders also came with us and we staked claim to form government, says Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis.

. People had given us a clear mandate, but Shiv Sena tried to ally with other parties after results, as a result President's rule was imposed. Maharashtra needed a stable government not a 'khichdi' government, says Devendra Fadnavis after taking oath as Maharashtra CM again.

. From result day to this day no party was able to form government, Maharashtra was facing many problems including farmer issues, so we decided to form a stable government, saysAjit Pawar after taking oath as Deputy CM.

. The allocation of key portfolios of Revenue, Home, Finance, Urban Development, Housing, Rural Development, Public Works and Water Resources is a major challenge for Sena-NCP-Congress alliance.

. ** Both Congress & NCP want one post of dy CM each

** Both Congress & NCP are keen for the post of speaker

. * Manohar Joshi – March 14, 1995-January 31, 1999

(Dr Joshi later became a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and then the Lok Sabha speaker, he has now retired from active politics)

* Narayan Rane – February 1, 1999-October 17, 1999

(Rane later became the leader of the opposition, in 2005, he was expelled. He joined Congress to became a minister. He quit Congress and floated Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha and now part of BJP)

. Formal and informal discussions among the three parties - Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena - would continue overnight and tomorrow: sources

. There is a unanimity among ourselves that Uddhav Thackeray should lead the new government: Sharad Pawar

. BJP and Shiv Sena alliance was based on the ideology of Hindutva and even today we don't have many ideological differences. Breaking of such an alliance is not only a loss to the country but also to Hindutva cause and to Maharashtra, says Nitin Gadkari.

. There are ideological differences among Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP. The govt will not go much ahead even if it is formed: Nitin Gadkari

. Meeting underway between Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders and other alliance partners, in Mumbai.

. It is almost final that the next Maharashtra Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. The NCP has never demanded the position of Chief Minister, says Manikrao Thakre, former state Congress chief.

. The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance is likely to be named as the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which will have at least two panels comprising senior leaders to guide its functioning.

The new government is also likely to review the programmes announced by the previous Devendra Fadnavis government and all the three alliance partners are of the view that the ambitious bullet train project state need not bear the cost of it.

Populist announcement of a complete farm loan waiver may also need a second look given the empty coffers of the state, a senior Maharashtra leader said.

Read the full report here .

. As the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress are inching closer to forming a government in Maharashtra, several names have emerged for the ministerial berth.

The Shiv Sena is likely to lead the government for full five-year term with its nominee as chief minister. There could be two deputy chief ministers, one each from the Congress and NCP.

The strength of the ministry in Maharashtra, that has 288 Assembly seats in Vidhan Sabha, is limited to 42 including the CM. The power sharing could be in ratio of 15-15-12 and the three parties may keep one seat vacant each for future inclusion. For factors of stability, the NCP-Congress are insisting that Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray lead the government.

Read the full report here .

. Shiv Sena won't side with the BJP even if offered Lord Indra's throne, Sena MP Sanjay Raut said on Friday. Talking to reporters, Raut reiterated that his party will get the Maharashtra CM's post when the three-party alliance with Congress and NCP assumes power.

"The time for offers has ended," Raut said, when asked about reports that the BJP had agreed to share the CM's post with the Sena.

Read the full report here .

. As the Shiv Sena broke ranks with the BJP after over three-decade-long association, a select core group of people form the inner circle of Uddhav Thackeray are leading the charge.Highly-secretive and loyal, they have seen Shiv Sena from the times of its founder late Bal Thackeray.

At Matoshree bungalow, Uddhav Thackeray's wife Rashmi and sons, Aaditya, who is an MLA from Worli and Tejas, are his constant companion. In fact, Aaditya (29) had been accompanying Uddhav for meetings and events since the last six years. Tejas, a wildlife enthusiast, is of late seen in public functions but he had stayed away from politics.

Read the full report here .

. Sena - 56 NCP - 54 Congress - 44

(Plus Others/Independents)

. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his MLA-son Aaditya met NCP president Sharad Pawar here late on Thursday night.

The over an hour-long meeting took place at Pawar's residence 'Silver Oak' in South Mumbai as the Shiv Sena continues its effort form government in Maharashtra with the support of the NCP and the Congress.

Read the full report here .

. A series of meetings will be held in Mumbai today for the formation of government.Congress-NCP leaders willmeet their smaller MahaAghadi allies like Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathana, People's Republican Party and Peasants and Workers Party in Mumbai.They will also involve Samajwadi Party and CPI(M) in talks. Besides,Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray will also chair a meeting of party legislators today.

. The Congress-NCP combine on Thursday said that the two parties have completed their discussion on all issues related to government formation in Maharashtra and will now hold talks with Shiv Sena in Mumbai to "finalise the architecture of alliance".

. Congress Legislative Party meeting to be held tomorrow at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, to elect their legislative party leader.

. Delhi: Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders hold meeting at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence #Maharashtragovernmentformation pic.twitter.com/ZqrXLzRdCk

— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2019

. Hours before Uddhav Thackeray meets his legislators, the anti-Shiv Sena sentiments within the Congress grew wider with veteran Sanjay Nirupam speaking out again.

Nirupam, a three-time MP, who had been with Shiv Sena earlier, said that alliance for the Congress with the right-wing saffron party would be disastrous.

"Years ago, the Congress allied with (Mayawati-led) BSP in Uttar Pradesh. They (Congress) party got a beating and it has not been able to stand again (in UP)," Nirupam, a former Mumbai Congress president said.

Read the full report here .

. The chief minister's post in Maharashtra is most likely to be on a rotational basis, with the first half of the five-year term to be given to the Shiv Sena and the latter to the Nationalist Congress Party, NCP sources said.

The Congress is likely to have the deputy chief minister's post for the full term, they said.

A senior NCP leader said the fight between the Shiv Sena and the BJP was for over the issue of chief ministership for two-and-half years each.

. The Shiv Sena has asked its MLAs to carry with them their official identification documents while coming for a key meeting of the party here on November 22, said a Sena leader on Wednesday.

The direction for bringing IDs has been given to deal with a situation where the MLAs are required to be presented before Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, he said.

The meeting has been convened at 'Matoshree', the family residence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray in suburban Bandra, the leader said.

The saffron party has 56 MLA-elects.

. Top sources on Congress Parliamentary strategy meeting decided that they will not let the issue of electoral bonds die down, according to ANI. "We will make the government answerable. Reaching out to opposition parties to build a floor strategy against the govt, we want a detailed discussion on it," a source told news agency.

. A group of Hindutva organisations here on Wednesday warned of launching a campaign against Shiv Sena and BJP if any of the two parties join hands with Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

Talking to reporters here, Samasta Hindu Aghadi president Milind Ekbote said the BJP and the Sena, which have together won 161 seats in the 288-member House, should form a government in the state as soon as possible as fighting between themselves was an "insult" of the people's mandate.

He said the Hindutva outfits were coming together as a "united front" to oppose Sena or BJP's attempts to tie up with the ideologically different parties.

. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar says "There is a meeting today," on being asked about his meeting with Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi today. (ANI)

. Shiv Sena leaders hold protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Parliament premises, demanding to declare unseasonal rains in Maharashtra as natural calamity. (ANI

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut tweeted:

Saheb Saheb Saheb .. Shiv Sena Jindabad!

- in memory of the Shiv Sena founder Balsaheb Thackeray's 7th death anniversary.

. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar to meet party leaders today before he meets Congress leadership on Monday.

. November 17marks the seventh death anniversary of Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray. Shiv Sena's mouthpiece 'Saamana' pays tributes of Balasaheb Thackeray

. The meeting between Congress president Sonia Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Delhi to discuss a possible alliance with the Shiv Sena inMaharashtramay not take place on Sunday, sources said.

Pawar has convened a meeting of the NCP's core committee in Pune on Sunday, which makes it difficult for him to reach Delhi in time, party sources said on Saturday.

Earlier, sources in both the parties had said that Pawar and Gandhi may meet on Sunday. (PTI)

. In a significant development that can change political equations, the Shiv Sena will skip Sunday's meeting of the ruling NDA, called on the eve of the winter session of the Parliament.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has now aligned with Congress and NCP, which sit on Opposition benches breaking ties with BJP, which commands the leadership position of NDA.

“No…we will not attend the meeting,” said Shiv Sena spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut.

. Amid the current political stalemate in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday cryptically said advent of "new weather" is letting him forget "old pain".

Politics in Maharashtra took an unexpected turn after the Shiv Sena walked away from its longtime ally BJP over sharing the chief ministerial post after Assembly results were declared on October 24. ( PTI )

. The vision of the RSS and its affiliated organisations is not limited to "forming government" but it is more about "nation-building", senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said here on Friday.

He was speaking at a function organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, here.

"We (Sangh parivar) have a clear vision, and it is not limited to forming government or making anyone chief minister or prime minister," the Union minister said.

. We have the highest number. With 119 MLAs we'll form BJP govt in the state, Devendra Fadnavis has expressed this confidence before party leaders. We're committed to giving a stable govt to state. There can't be a govt in Maharashtra without BJP: Maharashtra BJP President, Chandrakant Patil

. "Maharashtra won't accept this drama of three political parties," says BJP leader Ashish Shelar.

"We and the rest of the Maharashtra is watching this drama unfold. Earlier, because of the respect we had for Balasaheb Thackeray, everybody, including pour party's top leders used to go to Matoshree (the Thackeray's residence) for meetings. Now just for the sake of grabbing power, people are leaving Matoshree and touring the five star hotels and resorts,) We are watching all this and will reveal our political strategy in due time," Shelar said.

. Meet with governor tomorrow not to stake claim to power, clarifies Nawab Malik NCP leader Nawab Malik. He said that media reports suggesting that NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena will stake claim to form government tomorrow are untrue.

"Yes, we are going to meet the governor tomorrow. But any report suggesting that it is to stake claim for government formation is false. We are meeting the governor because the administration of Maharashtra is at a standstill since the imposition of President's rule. Several applications for funds from the chief minister's relief funds are pending. Farmers are suffering. So we will meet government to discuss these issues," said NCP leader Nawab Malik.

. NCP leader Nawab Malik: Maharashtra Governor has given Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress leaders time for a meeting tomorrow at 3 pm, to discuss farmers issue. (ANI)

. NCP leader Sharad Pawar on Maharashtra government formation: The process to form government has begun, the government will run for full 5 years. (ANI)

. The draft common minimum programme (CMP) prepared ahead of government formation in Maharashtra focuses on farmers and measures to tackle unemployment, a senior Congress leader said on Friday.

Leaders of the Congress, the NCP and the Shiv Sena met here on Thursday to work out a common minimum programme (CMP) before finalising a possible alliance for government formation in Maharashtra involving the three parties.

Talking to PTI, the Congress leader, who did not wish to be named, said representatives of the Congress, the NCP and the Sena have prepared a draft CMP which will now be approved and finalised by top leaders of the three parties.

. "Met Hon Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji at RajBhavan, Mumbai to request release of funds to the farmers affected due to unseasonal rains. Hon Governor assured immediate action on this," Devendra Fadnavis said in a tweet.

" I also requested for reopening & smooth functioning of CM Relief Fund through Hon Governor’s office so that no needy patient is deprived of necessary & timely support. Hon Governor assured that this fund will be run by his office and will extend support to patients," he added.

. NCP leader, Nawab Malik said, "The question is being asked again and again if there will be a CM from Shiv Sena. It was because of this CM post that there was a debate between BJP and Shiv Sena, so definitely CM will be of Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena has been humiliated, it is our duty to keep up its self- respect."

. Party position:

NCP : 54 Congress : 44 Shiv Sena : 56 (plus the support of 8 Independents/smaller parties)

Shiv Sena may get 16 ministers, NCP 14 and Congress 12.

The maximum ministers that Maharashtra can have is 42

. The new alliance in Maharashtra is likely to be known as MahaShivAghadi. The name is derived from Congress-NCP alliance called MahaAghadi and Shiv Sena Shiv Sena likely to get the post of CM for five years NCP will get deputy CM's post. Congress will get Speaker's post.

. "We want to keep the CM from Shiv Senafor the next 25 years, why do you talk about 5 years," says Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut. (ANI)

. We are waiting for NCP to make things clearer to us on whether minorities will be alienated from Congress if it allies with Shiv Sena. Senior Congress leaders feel that minorities will understand that such alliances will be needed to keep BJP away, according to a CNN News 18 quoting Congress sources.

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that had BJP president Amit Shah informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the "50:50" seat-sharing formula "in time", Maharashtra would not have been facing the current political impasse.

Raut wondered if Modi was "kept away" by top BJP leaders from the decision taken over seat-sharing. Shah on Wednesday said the Shiv Sena's demands, including sharing the chief minister's post, were "unacceptable" to the BJP.

Read the full report here .

. The Congress’s willingness to prop up a Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra and its failure to execute the plan, paving way for President’s Rule has once again underlined the party’s failure in taking quick decisions at critical junctures.

. Arch rivals Shiv Sena and Congress have begun discussions on a power-sharing pact for Maharashtra. But, this is not the first time that the two parties have worked together for Congress had a key role in the birth of the Shiv Sena.

. Amid the Shiv Sena's efforts to form government in Maharashtra with the support of the NCP and Congress, senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday posted a message on Twitter to assert that they would neither get defeated nor be afraid.

. The Shiv Sena on Thursday alleged that imposition of President's rule in Maharashtra was a "scripted act" and took a jibe at the governor, saying he has now given parties six months to form the government.

. The Congress' first family contributed much less than the leaders at its lower echelons – at least to the party's coffer.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi contributed Rs 54,000 to the party fund in 2018-19 financial year. Her son Rahul Gandhi, who led the grand old party till the parliamentary polls earlier this year, contributed an equal amount, according to a report submitted by the Congress to the Election Commission (EC).

Read the full report here .

. First formal round of meeting between Congress and NCP over common minimum programme was held past midnight. It was attended by NCP's Jayant Patil, Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde and Nawab Malik. Balasaheb Thorat, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, Vijay Wadettiwar and Manikrao Thakare were present at the meeting from the Congress side. The meeting was chaired by former CM Sushilkumar Shinde chaired the meeting.

BJP MLAs to meet in Mumbai today.

. Rumours are being floated that Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray had meeting with Ahmed Patel and we have come to some sort of settlement, on behalf of Uddhav Thackeray let me clarify that this is untrue andbeing spread deliberately. Our talks with Congress and NCP are in process, saysShiv Sena's Sanjay Raut.

. Congress and NCP state leadership meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday night to draft a CMP before initiating formal talks with Shiv Sena.

. NCP leader Jitendra Awhad: Some things are kept confidential. So, Ajit Pawar said that NCP-Congress meeting got cancelled. The meeting is underway and Ajit Pawar is present in the meeting.

. NCP-Congress meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled.The meeting was called to discuss the Common Minimum Programme of the two parties.

. "Before this, in no state was so much time given, 18 days were given. Governor invited parties only after assembly tenure ended. Neither Shiv Sena nor Congress-NCP staked claim and neither we. Even if today any party has numbers it can approach Governor," Home Minister Amit Shah said.

. Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said on Wednesday that the party was on alert to prevent a possible "Operationlotus" -- attempts by the BJP to engineer defections from other parties -- in Maharashtra.As President's rule was imposed in the state on Tuesday, the Congress and NCP are in talks about whether to support the Shiv Sena for government formation.

. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said talks over government formation in Maharashtra were progressing in the "right direction" and a decision will be taken at an appropriate time.

Thackeray said this after a meeting with senior Maharashtra Congress leaders Ashok Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat and Manikrao Thakare at a suburban hotel.

The meeting, which took place a day after President's rule was imposed in the state, lasted for about an hour.

. The NCP on Wednesday named its five members for a joint committee to be formed with the Congress for deciding a 'common minimum programme' before their possible alliance with the Shiv Sena for government formation in Maharashtra.

NCP's legislature party head Ajit Pawar, its Maharashtra chief Jayant Patil, party veteran Chhagan Bhujbal, Mumbai unit president Nawab Malik and Leader of the Opposition in state Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde will be part of the committee.

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut is discharged from Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. "The next Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena," he said.

. Maharashtra Congress leaders meet Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut at Lilavati Hospital. Raut was admitted at the hospital on November 11 after he complained of chest pain.

. "Today in the meeting all our MLAs said that government should be formed as early as possible. Even I think before the new year begins, Maharashtra should get a govt," says NCP leader Ajit Pawar. (ANI)

. State Congress president Balasaheb Thorat will meet his NCP counterpart Jayant Patil today.

. The ShivSenawill not mention in the Supreme Court on Wednesday its plea challenging the governor's decision of not granting it 3 days time for getting letter of support for government formation in Maharashtra, according to the party lawyer.

. In a vitriolic attack on the BJP, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday said it was deriving "sadistic pleasure" out of the struggle of other political parties to form government in Maharashtra.

. In mouthpiece 'Saamana', Shiv Sena slams BJP saying the situation could have been avoided had the latter party kept its promise.

. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Tuesday expressed apprehension that the BJP may indulge in horse-trading to form government in Maharshtra after imposing the President Rule there.

He expressed the apprehension, alleging that the decision to impose the President Rule in the state has been taken under duress from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

"Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had invited the third largest party, the National Congress Party, for the government formation in the state. The time limit for it was to end at 8.30 pm on Tuesday, but the governor made a recommendation for imposing the President Rule even before the expiry of that time limit," Singh told reporters here. This cannot be termed as right in democracy, he added. ( PTI )

. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said the Congress, the NCP and his party will work out a formula for formation of the government in Maharashtra, which facing political uncertainty for nearly three weeks now. ( PTI )

. In a significant statement, Rajya Sabha member Narayan Rane, who happens to be Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray’s bete noire, hinted that the BJP would make attempts to form its government in Maharashtra.

“When we go to the Governor, we would go with a list of 145 (MLAs)... Without that it does not make sense... Let me not share the details... We have started the work.... Sabko bola kaam pe lag jao (Have asked others to start the work) ,” he said in a cryptic response to reporters.

Read the full report here .

. Maharashtra Governor B S Koshiyari’s recommendation to impose President’s rule in Maharashtra has once brought the role of Raj Bhavan during government formation and associated political impasse into the limelight.

Koshiyari’s recommendation to the Centre came after parties failed to form a government in the state, after Assembly election results were declared 19 days ago. The Opposition is up in arms against his decision alleging that he is favouring the BJP.

Read the full report here .

. Shiv Sena on its mouthpiece, Saamana, said that everything will be all right. The party has moved the Supreme Court against the Governor's recommendation to impose President's rule in the state.

. Devendra Fadnavis changes his Twitter bio to 'Maharashtra's Sevak'.

. President's rule is definitely something we did not expect. We will certainly try to ensure that people's mandate is respected. We will try to form a stable government. We will stand by the people of the state: BJP

. I think NCP-Congress are trying to make a fool out of Shiv Sena:Narayan Rane, BJP

. On a day of hectic developments when President's rule was imposed in Maharashtra, the top brass of Congress and NCP in Mumbai but remained non-committal on any support to Shiv Sena.

After the first round of joint talks, Congress president Sonia Gandhi's top aide Ahmed Patel and NCP founder-president Sharad Pawar maintained that the two MahaAghadi parties must need to discuss the modalities of alliance with Shiv Sena first and then initiate formal talks with them on government formation.

. Describing the imposition of President's rule in Maharashtra as "unfortunate", former chief minister and BJP's legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis said he can only hope the state gets a stable government.

Fadnavis, who was running for a second term as the chief minister said that the MahaYuti alliance got a majority in the 21 October Vidhan Sabha polls.

. If such governors are there, the country will progress, says Uddhav

. A new political combination is emerging, let's wait for some time, says Uddhav

Forming govt is not a joke, some time needed to discuss issues, saysUddhav

. We will form common minimum programme, says Uddhav

. Our time to stake claim was included in the time given to BJP, says Uddhav

Yesterday we have formally contacted NCP and Congress, says Uddhav

It exposes claim of BJP that we were in touch with Cong, NCP, says Uddhav

Like NCP & Congress needs clarity Shiv Sena also needs clarity, says Uddhav

. Maharashtra saw a voter turnout of 61% in the Assembly elections 2019.

. We don't want to rush through, says Sharad Pawar

. Yesterday formally Shiv Sena approached Cong president for support, some issues need to be discussed, says Ahmed Patel

Congress, NCP leaders said that Sena approached a day ago and hence some modalities need to be worked out like common minimum programme

. First time Shiv Sena has approached us for support, says Ahmed Patel

. The Congress on Tuesday said Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari acted in a hurry in sending his report recommending President's rule in Maharashtra without exhausting all options for government formation.

. No hearing today in the Supreme Court on Shiv Sena’s plea against Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's decision of denying three more days to the party to get letters of support from NCP and Congress.

Shiv Sena's lawyer Sunil Fernandes says, "SC registry has said they may mention the matter tomorrow before the court, for urgent hearing. Fresh/second petition challenging the imposition of President's Rule is being readied. The decision on when to file it will be taken tomorrow" - ANI

. 21 October: Elections to 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly held

24 October: Counting of votes taken up

25 October: Chief electoral officer Baldev Singh presented the list of elected members governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari

28 October: Then chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote meet governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, wish him on occasion of Diwali. Devendra Fadnavis also briefs him of the political situation.

1 November: Shiv Sena delegation led by legislature party leader Eknath Shinde and Aditya Thackeray meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for relief to farmers in wake of unseasonal rains and cyclonic conditions

5 November: Congress-NCP delegation led meet governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, demand relief for farmers

9 November: The tenure of 13th Maharashtra Legislative comes to an end. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari asks Devendra Fadnavis to indicate a willingness to form the government

10 November: BJP core committee meets in Mumbai. Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP president Chandrakant Patil call on Governor, express inability to form the government Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari invites Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena legislature party leader to indicate a willingness to form the government

11 November: NCP leadership meets under the chairmanship of Sharad Pawar in Mumbai. Top state Congress leaders, who were in Jaipur, rush to New Delhi, meet top brass including Congress president Sonia Gandhi.Shiv Sena leaders Eknath Shinde and Aditya Thackeray meet Governor, seek more time but rejected.Governor invites NCP legislature party leader Ajit Pawar to express willingness to form the government

12 November: Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari recommends President's rule in Maharashtra. A unionCabinet meeting chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi approves President's rule.President Ram Nath Kovind signs the procolamation.

. From backing Congress candidates in presidential polls to not fielding any contender against NCP chief Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule to even tying up with ideologically opposite Muslim League, the Shiv Sena has had a history of flirting with 'frenemies'.

. Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray reach Hotel Retreat in Malad suburbs of Mumbai. They will meet the Shiv Sena MLAs.

. President Ram Nath Kovind signed the proclamation under Article 356 after the Centre recommended imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra and put the Assembly in suspended animation.

. After the meeting, they will convey their decision to Shiv Sena.

If needed, Congress-NCP leaders will also meet Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.

. Nishant Katnekar, Maharashtra govt's lawyer: Today I came to know about the filing of a petition by Shiv Sena, challenging the communication of the Governor by which their claim has been rejected with regard to the formation of the govt.will have to receive a copy of the petition, then I will have to see the prayers, contents, grounds and thereafter appropriate steps will be taken. - ANI

. Congress team of Mallikarjun Kharge,Ahmed Patel, KC Venugopal,Prithviraj Chavan arrive for meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar at the YB Chavan Centre

. AICC general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge arrives in Mumbai,headed to meet NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

. Governor Koshiyari has committed a grave travesty of the democracy & made a mockery of the Constitutional process in recommending President’s Rule in Maharashtra.

Four grave violations of the Constitutional Scheme, as expressed in SR Bommai judgment, stand out:

In the absence of any single party having majority In Maharashtra, Gov should have called;

1. Single largest pre-poll alliance i.e BJP-Shiv Sena together; Then

2. Second largest post-poll alliance i.e Congress-NCP;

3. In case Gov called individual parties, why did he not call INC? And above all;

4. Why the completely arbitrary allotment of time? 48 hours to BJP, 24 hrs to Sena & not even 24 hours to NCP, before the President's Rule

This is unashamedly dishonest & politically motivated

- Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress

. The Shiv Sena on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's refusal to grant more time to the party to submit the required letters of support to form the next government on Monday night, a party leader said on Tuesday.

. Governor rushed through President's rule after NCP sought more time.However, NCP is yet to officially comment on this

. The NCP on Tuesday said an alternative government cannot be formed in Maharashtra without the Congress's support and discussions among "three parties".

. In a surprising development, the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Tuesday recommended President's rule in the state.

As per a statement tweeted by Koshyari's office, "He is satisfied that the government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution, (and therefore) has today submitted a report as contemplated by the provision of Article 356 of the Constitution."

Article 356, commonly known as President's rule, deals with 'failure of constitutional machinery in the state'.

. Floor test is what determines whether a stable govt is possible. Bommai judgement amongst many others has made that very clear. What is BJP afraid of? Modi had called state victories “unprecedented” and Diwali gifts “before” Diwali: CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury

. A meeting of all BJP MLA's and MLC's under the presidentship of Chandrakant Patil and in presence of Devendra Fadnavis to be held in Vasant Smruti, Dadar on 14th November at 7 pm.

. What Governor and Centre did is against natural justice... the governor gave us 24 hours and BJP 72 hours: Anil Parab

Congress should also have been given an opportunity to form the government, says Prithviraj Chavan

. Kapil Sibal would be representing us, says Anil Parab

. Raj Bhavan: Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari having been satisfied that as Govt of Maharashtra cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution, has today submitted a report as contemplated by the provisions of Article 356 of Constitution (President's Rule). - ANI

. 1. February 17, 1980-June 9, 1980

The Janata Party government that came to power in March 1977 dismissed the Congress state governments. A total of eight Congress governments were dismissed in just two days (April 29 and April 30, 1977) in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

When Indira Gandhi came back to power in 1980, she did the same with non-Congress state governments. Nine states ruled by non-Congress parties were dismissed in Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

2. September 28, 2014 - October 31, 2014

Then CM Prithviraj Chavan tendered resignation after NCP walked out of the government as seat-sharing between the two Democratic Front allies failed. The President's rule ended when the Devendra Fadnavis of BJP was sworn in as CM

. Committee formed under Pawar to discuss govt formation in Maha: Malik

. TheUnion Cabinet met here on Tuesday amid the political uncertainty in Maharashtra where parties have not been able to form a government.

. JUST IN |Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a Union Cabinet meeting just before his departure this afternoon for BRICS Summit in Brazil. According to an Indian Express report, the meeting is being held to discuss the political situation in Maharashtra.

. MahaAghadi partners Congress and NCP will first decide on going for alliance and then rest will follow, says state Congress working president Dr Nitin Raut.

. a) Common minimum programme b) Coordination committee c) Power-sharing d) Framers' issues

. Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and authorised three senior party leaders to hold further talks on the issue of government formation in Maharashtra.

As hectic deliberations continued, Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal would be leaving for Mumbai later in the day for holding discussions with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. ( PTI )

. BJP leader Ashish Shelar met Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut at Lilawati hospital today. Raut was admitted to hospital yesterday after he complained of chest pain.

. Congress leaders expected to land around 2 pm from Jaipur. State Congress president Balasaheb Thorat, former CMs Ashok Chavan and Prithviraj Chavan expected to hold meetings with state NCP leaders in Mumbai.

. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to meets party Sanjay Raut in Lilavati Hospital.

. Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi denies it has been isolated

. "Yesterday we were waiting for the letter of Congress," says NCP leader Ajit Pawar Congress and NCP will take the decision together, whatever it is," he said. "The letter of NCP alone does not make sense, we need letters of Congress, NCP." "There is no point making allegations on the delay, we have to take decision together." Meanwhile, NCP MLAs arriving in Mumbai.

. NCP chief Sharad Pawar arrives at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai for series of meetings.

. NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal meets Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut. "He is okay now," said Bhujbal "Sena, Congress and NCP are speaking to each other, government will be formed soon, modalities being worked out," Bhujbal said.

. Senior Congress leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge, who were supposed to come to Mumbai on Tuesday to discuss modalities of support to the Shiv Sena for government formation in Maharashtra, have deferred their visit, a Congress leader said.

The two leaders postponed their visit after NCP chief Sharad Pawar conveyed that state leaders of both the parties will first discuss the "terms and conditions" of government formation, former Maharashtra Congress president Manikrao Thakare told PTI.

. Even as the Shiv Sena failed to muster numbers to stake a claim for government formation in Maharashtra, its ailing leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday quoted lines of legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan to reaffirm his party's resolve to succeed and not give up.

Raut, who on Monday underwent angioplasty at a hospital here, tweeted two lines from Bachchan's famous poem: "Lehron se dar kar nauka paar nahi hoti, himmat karne waalon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti" (the boat that qualms the waves never gets across, those who dare do not lose).

. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar on being asked if there is a meeting scheduled today between Congress and NCP: Who says there is a meeting? I don't know.

. No. of seats in Maharashtra Assembly: 288 Seats reserved for SC: 29 Seats reserved for ST: 25 No. of candidates: 3,239 Candidates with criminal cases: 916 No. of voters: 8.9 crore | Males: 4.69 crore | Females: 4.28 crore | Third gender: 2,634

. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar on being asked if there is a meeting scheduled today between Congress and NCP: Who says there is a meeting? I don't know. (ANI)

. Senior Congress leaders leaving Jaipur to reach Mumbai and meet NCP leaders.

. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and his grand-nephew Rohit Pawar reach the Lilavati Hospital to meet Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

. President Ram Nath Kovind has accepted the resignation of Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Arvind Sawant(Shiv Sena MP). I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar has been assigned additional charge of Sawant's ministry. (ANI)

. Congress leader Manikrao Thakre says that the delay was because of NCP, not Congress.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, when asked about the comment said that he would talk to the Congress. (ANI)

MahaAghadi partners NCP, Congress in blame-game over delay in sending letters to Governor's office NCP leaders say that Congress MLAs in Jaipur and hence signatures were delayed.

. Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray to meet party MLAs at around 4 pm, today.

. "Yesterday we were waiting for the letter of Congress," says NCP leader Ajit Pawar "Congress and NCP will take the decision together, whatever it is. The letter of NCP alone does not make sense, we need letters of Congress," says Ajit Pawar. "There is no point making allegations on the delay, we have to take decision together," he added.

. Prakash Javadekar has been given charge of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises held by Shiv Sena's Sawant.

. The Congress and NCP meeting is scheduled to be held at 4 pm and if needed, Shiv Sena will be called after some time.

. Amid a claim by Shiv Sena that the NCP and Congress have agreed "in principle" to support its government without the BJP in Maharashtra, the AIMIM said its two MLAs in the western state would not support a "Shiv Sena-Congress" rule.

"@aimim_national has 2 MLAs in Maharashtra & we will not be supporting the Shiv Sena-Congress government. A letter to the same effect will be sent to the Governor of Maharashtra briefly," he tweeted.

Read the full report here .

. Congress core group meeting to be held tomorrow at interim party president Sonia Gandhi's residence, over Maharashtra's political situation.

. As per the procedure, Governor has given us the letter (to stake claim to form govt ) being the third largest party in Maharashtra . We suggested to him that we'll have to talk to our allies and we'll get back to him as early as possible. Deadline is 8.30 pm tomorrow: Jayant Patil, NCP.

. "We will make the final decision after Cong-NCP talks", says NCP Mumbai president and chief spokesperson Nawab Malik on supporting Shiv Sena

. Neither ours nor NCP's letter has gone to Maharashtra governor yet. It has been decided that two leaders will be sent for discussions with Sharad Pawar, state leaders will also be there. The next step will be taken after the discussion - Manikrao Thackeray, Congress

Letter of support from Congress, NCP not received, but they have told us that they are willing to support us. We will submit their letter of support in the next 2-3 days - Anandrao Adsul, Shiv Sena

We told the guv that we're willing to form the govt. 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 -Aditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena

. Ajit Pawar, NCP: At 8:30 pm the Governor called us and asked me to come to meet him. Along with Chhagan Bhujbal, Jayant Patil and others, I am going to meet him. We have no idea as to why did he call us. Governor is an important person so we are going to meet him. - ANI

. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: We've already issued a press note & we've mentioned that we've already discussed with working committee members and our PCC leaders. Our AICC President has spoken to Sharad Pawar ji. Further discussion will take place in Mumbai tomorrow - ANI

. AIMIM has 2 MLAs in Maharashtra & we will not be supporting the Shiv Sena-Congress government. A letter to the same effect will be sent to the Governor of Maharashtra briefly: Asaduddin Owaisi

. Rayat Kranti Sanghatana founder Sadabhau Khot, a MahaYuti constituent, said Shiv Sena's stand was not correct

. Senior Congress leaders have left the resort in Jaipur, where newly-elected Maharashtra Congress legislators are staying, to attend the working committee meeting of the party in Delhi.

. HD Deve Gowda: Balasaheb gave place to BJP in Maharashtra, Advani&Vajpayee went to Bala Saheb's residence & requested him for seats. BJP overrode that, that's why Uddhav Thackeray has taken a stand that he will teach them a lesson. Now, it's for Congress&NCP to put down BJP. - ANI

. HD Deve Gowda: If Congress gives support to Shiv Sena, they should not disturb it for the next 5 years. Then only people will trust Congress. - ANI

. BJP Core Committee meeting at Varsha ends. The second round of the meeting to be at around 5 pm, according to CNN News18.

. A press conference by Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant is underway. Sawant resigned from his Ministry this morning.

. Both the Congress and the NCP have kept paperwork ready on whether they extend their support to Shiv Sena in the government formation in Maharashtra. The final clarity is expected by 5.40 pm.

. Congress's top leaders conclude meeting.At 4 pm, they will hold consultations with leaders from Maharashtra before taking a decision on backing Shiv Sena, says Kharge.

. While several names are being considered for the Maharashtra Chief Ministerial post, it has been proposed that the supposed coalition will have two Deputy CMs from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress each, according to CNN News 18.

. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to meet his MLAs around noon at Retreat, Malad.

. Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said if the BJP was not willing to fulfill its promise of sharing the chief minister's post in Maharashtra, there was no point in continuing the alliance.

A day after Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari invited the Shiv Sena to stake claim to form the government, Raut told reporters here that the BJP "insulted" people's mandate by not abiding to the "50:50" formula which, he claimed, was decided before the Lok Sabha polls.

Read the full report here .

. The relations between two oldest allies of Indian politics - Shiv Sena and BJP - has broken and seems to be beyond repair now. The development would see political churning and change in dynamics in Maharashtra in the days to come. The two saffron allies clearly missed legendary leaders Bal Thackeray and Pramod Mahajan, who had managed to keep the alliance intact despite ups and downs.

It was late Thackeray, the Shiv Sena founder and Mahajan, the BJP's trouble shooter, who had sealed the saffron alliance more than three decades ago. Mahajan had direct access to Matoshree and for Thackeray, late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former home minister LK Advani, were just a phone call away.

Read the full report here .

. "If BJP can join hands with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, why can't Sena do so with NCP and Congress," says Raut

. "BJP got 72 hours to stake a claim, we have been given 24 hours," says Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

"Congress andNCP should bury differences to come up with a common minimum programme in Maharashtra's interest," he said.

. "It is BJP's arrogance that they are refusing to form govt in Maharashtra. It is an insult to the people of Maharashtra. They are willing to sit in opposition, but they are reluctant to follow the 50-50 formula, for which they agreed before polls," says Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut. (ANI)

. "I haven't had a word with anyone regarding anyone’s resignation. We'll have a word with Congress today. Whatever decision is to be taken will be taken only after discussions with Congress," says NCP chief Sharad Pawar,on Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant's resignation. (ANI)

. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar to chair party's core group meeting which is to be held today in Mumbai, over the current political situation in the state. Praful Patel, Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar, Jayant Patil andother party leaders will be present at the meeting.

. NCP chief Sharad Pawar expected to hold a meeting with thesenior leaders of the party.

. Congress leaders will meet party chief Sonia Gandhi here on Monday to take a decision on supporting Shiv Sena in government formation in Maharashtra.

A large section of the 44 newly elected MLA of the Congress are in favour of supporting a Shiv Sena-led government after it decided to walk out of the BJP-led NDA.

Read the full report here .

. In a significant development signalling a change in Maharashtra politics, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena has resigned from his post under the Narendra Modi government.

The Congress and NCP had put a pre-condition for the Shiv Sena to snap ties from the BJP and NDA formally.

Read the full report here .

. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge says there's a meeting at 10 am today. "We will proceed according to instruction from high command. But our original decision anddecision of the people is that we should sit in opposition, that is the present position," he says.

. The Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari today asked the leader of elected members of the second-largest party, the Shiv Sena, Shri Eknath Shinde to indicate the willingness and ability of his party to form the government in Maharashtra.

. Nawab Malik, NCP: We have called a meeting of our MLAs on Nov 12. If Shiv Sena wants our support, they will have to declare that they have no relation with BJP & they should pull out from National Democratic Alliance (NDA). All their ministers will have to resign from Union Cabinet.

. If Governor invites Shiv Sena to stake claim to form govt then we will think about our next step. Till now, we haven't received any proposal from Shiv Sena. The final decision will be taken by Congress & NCP together as declared by Pawar Sahab:Nationalist Congress Party

. We are keeping an eye on recent developments. We are meeting now and discussing all the options before us. We have not decided anything yet: Ashok Chavan

. BJP - 105 Shiv Sena - 56 NCP - 54 Congress - 44 Others/Independents - 29

Total strength: 288 Magic figure for working majority: 145

. Party chief Uddhav Thackeray Ji clearly said today that Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. If Uddhav Ji has said so, then it means that there will be CM from Shiv Sena, at any cost:Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena

. Reiterating that the mandate was to sit in Opposition,the Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP are watching the next move of the Shiv Sena after BJP decided not to stake a claim for government formation.

. The BJP, after hectic consultations on Sunday, decided not to stake a claim for forming the government in Maharashtra.

. We fought under the banner of grand alliance. Shiv Sena does not want to come with us. Shiv Sena has betrayed the mandate. We have told Governor that we cannot form the government. If Shiv Sena wants to form the government with Congress-NCP then we extend our good wishes to them: Chandrakant Patil

. We wish Sena if they want to form the government with the support of NCP and Congress

. Is it the time to keep BJP out of power, this is what the Maharashtra Congress MLAs deliberating in Jaipur: State Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant

. In the current political arithmetic in Maharashtra, it's just impossible for Congress-NCP to form any govt. For that we need Shiv Sena. And we must not think of sharing power with Shiv Sena under any circumstances. That will be a disastrous move for the party: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam

. NCP leaders maintain that they have not received any proposal of government formation from Shiv Sena

. Sudhir Mungantiwar after BJP Core Committee meeting at the residence of Devendra Fadnavis: Governor has invited BJP to form the government because we are the single largest party. We'll meet at 4 pm again today & take the decision on Governor's invitation. - ANI

. All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Mallikarjun Kharge Iis set to meet theMaharashtra Congress MLAs in Jaipur. It is also said that thedecision of their future political course will be conveyed to the Congress high-command.

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said his party would declare its next strategy once no one else is able to form government in Maharashtra, and asserted that politics was not a trade for his party.

Without taking the name of any individual or party, he said the bubble of being "invincible" has burst and the arrogance of "buying" a politician to form the government will no longer work in the state.

The Shiv Sena "will step in" if no one forms government, Raut told reporters here.

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday hit out at Maharashtra's caretaker chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and accused him of playing politics of fear while making a reference to German dictator Adolf Hitler against the backdrop of logjam over government formation in the state.

Read more here .

. Maharashtra’s Governor should invite NCP-Congress - the second largest alliance - to form the government now that BJP-Shivsena have refused to do so

— Milind Deora मिलिंद देवरा (@milinddeora) November 10, 2019

. While the BJP core committee is set to meet at 11:30 am, theShiv Sena legislators are scheduled to meetat 12:30 pm.

. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Saturday evening asked the BJP, the single largest party in the new Assembly, to "indicate the willingness and ability" to form the government, creating hope that the 15-day-long political impasse in the state will end.

Read more here .

. We will see if Shiv Sena votes against BJP in the House to pull down BJP government. We will consider supporting an alternate govt. We have called a meeting of all our MLAs on 12th November. Sharad Pawar will also attend that meeting: Nawab Malik

. "Despite that, if BJP forms the govt in the state, we are going to vote against BJP on the floor of the House. If the BJP govt falls, in the interest of the state we will try to form an alternate govt," says NCP leader Nawab Malik.

. Maharashtra Governor has invited BJP to form government in the state, Governor should ensure if BJP has a majority or not, otherwise, there will be horse-trading:Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said on Saturday that Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's decision to ask the BJP to indicate its willingness to form the government was a welcome step.

. "The decision on forming the govt will be taken in the core committee meeting tomorrow. The core committee will decide what has to be done. There is no option other than the BJP. We are ready for talks with the Shiv Sena. The mandate is for the grand alliance. The talks will happen when we sit across the table. Receiving an invitation from the Governor is part of the constitutional process. The Shiv Sena should respect the mandate," saidBJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar.

. BJP's Maharashtra core committee will meet on Sunday to take a call on the Governor's invitation to form the government.

. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday said he extends his "best wishes" to Devendra Fadnavis if the BJP leader was confident of forming the government in Maharashtra.

. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Friday slammed ally BJP for trying `to prove him a liar', claiming that it had agreed to share the chief minister's post in Maharashtra during his talks with Amit Shah.

. "I am not saying ridiculous that Devendra Fadnavis is my best friend. As Devendra Fadnavis was the Chief Minister, I supported him or anyone else. I don't know what would have happened. But I did not expect this from him.": Uddhav Thackeray

. I didn't go to Delhi. Amit Shah came here. It's true that talks were suspended for a while because of me. I told them that ShivSena was not so desperate to settle for deputy CM's post. That's when Shah asked me what I had in mind: Uddhav Thackeray

. Fadnavis and state BJP president Chandrakant Patil had been claiming that the ruling side would cross 220.Congress had a strength of 42 and Sharad Pawar-led NCP 41 in the outgoing House,if one does not take into account the more than a dozen sitting MLAs switching over to the ruling side.

. Not a word was spoken against Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah ji, sad that Former CM of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis dragged them to speak disparagingly of an alliance partner of past 3 decades.

Policy decisions? Yes, but personal attacks? No: Priyanka Chaturvedi

. "What I have been taught by the Shiv Sena chief is that not once before giving a word, not 4 times, think a million times, if you want to do more than that, do it. But once you have given the word, you do not want to back down.": Uddhav Thackeray

. "I have given word to people that one day we will have a Shiv Sainik as CM. BJP-Sena have been together for 25 years. I told Amit Shah and Fadnavis that we want an equal share in power. Shah had promised that our relationship went through a tough phase, I want it to reach old glory in my leadership only,": Uddhav Thackeray

. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday tendered his resignation while blaming the ally Shiv Sena for the impasse over government formation after the Assembly polls.

. The state should get a government: Devendra Fadnavis

. Today we are in a critical situation, we had good crop but damaged by cyclone and unseasonal rains: Devendra Fadnavis

. Devendra Fadnavis take serious objection to attacks on PM Narendra Modi through Saamna, they reached a low level,even political opponents like Congress, NCP never stooped so low

. Some people around them created problems,we did not want to respond, says Devendra Fadnavis snubbing Sanjay Raut.

We have not spoken a word against Balasaheb Thackeray or Uddhav Thackeray, says Devendra Fadnavis

. There could have been talks to resolve the issue, but that never happened, I had enjoyed good relations with Uddhav ji: Devendra Fadnavis

I dialled Uddhav ji but he did not take my call.They did not talk to us but they are regularly talking to Congress and NCP: Fadnavis

. We got resounding success in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha as MahaYuti alliance. I took the permission of Uddhav ji to say that MahaYuti will form govt: Devendra Fadnavis

. "I have tendered my resignation to the Governor and he has accepted it , " Fadnavis said at a press meet.

. Fadnavis confirms his resignation as the CM. He says he is thankful to the party, senior BJP leaders, and the people of Maharashtra for allowing him to serve them for 5 years. He also thanks BJPs alliance partner Shiv Sena.

. This is the second meeting of Devendra Fadnavis with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since the time the results came in. Last time he had met the Governor to wish him on the occasion of Diwali and briefed him on the political situation

. "Don't know why Maha governor not calling the single largest party to form a government," said Pawar."For how long can President, Governor wait? They will have to take some decision," he said.

. "Shiv Sena and BJP have got a mandate and they should form a government. This is what Ramdas Athawale ji (RPI Chief) and I have discussed and we agreed on this point. Also, the delay in forming government is affecting the state economically and generally as well," NCP chief Sharad Pawar said.

. Senior BJP leaders and ministers Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Vinod Tawde, Subhash Deshmukh, Sambhaji Nilangekar-Patil are at Nitin Gadkari's residence: sources

. Shiv SenaParty chief Uddhav Thackeray will meet party MLAs at Hotel Rangsharda in Mumbai, later today: Sena leaderSunil Prabhu.

. The Congress in Maharashtra on Friday alleged that attempts were being made to put pressure on party legislators to switch sides.

State Congress president Balasaheb Thorat said his party has not taken any decision to support a Shiv Sena-led government in the state, where there is an impasse over formation of the next dispensation.

. "Congress and NCP have made allegations of horse-trading against us, they should prove this charge within 48 hours or apologize to the people of Maharashtra," says BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar.

. The BJP in Maharashtra on Friday strongly refuted allegations that it was engaging in horse-trading and offering money to MLAs of other parties to switch sides.

State BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said such a practice is not part of the party's culture.

. Union minister and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who arrived in Mumbaion Friday, indicated he will not intervene to break the deadlock between his party and the Shiv Sena over sharing power in Maharashtra. Gadkari's visit triggered speculation in political circles that he may step in to break the fortnight-long BJP- Sena logjam over sharing the chief minister's post, which is delaying government formation in the state. When contacted by reporters, Gadkari said, "I am not meeting any politician today. I am here to attend a public function today evening."

. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis likely to resign on Friday.The tenure of current Maharashtra Legislative Assembly ends on Saturday

. Amidst fears of poaching, the 56 newly-elected Shiv Sena MLAs have been shifted to a hotel in Bandra.

The MLAs are now at Hotel Rangsharda in Bandra, a few kmaway from Matoshree, the bungalow of Uddhav Thackeray.

. Union Road Transport & Highways Minister and BJP's troubleshooter Nitin Gadkari on Thursday ruled out returning to Maharashtra politics.

. BJP is telling daily "good news will come soon", have they opened a maternity home? Why are they issuing a threat of President's rule?: Balasaheb Thorat

. Further hardening its stance vis-a-vis government formation, the Shiv Sena said that it would prove its numbers on the floor of the House.

. Why is BJP not staking claim to form the government in Maharashtra?: Sanjay Raut

. Patil said they informed the governor that Maharashtra people have given the mandate for Mahauti (Grandalliance). The BJP, Shiv Sena, RPI (A), Ryat Kranti, Rashtriya Samaj Party and Shiv Sangram were part of the pre-poll alliance. The Mahauti also was part of the State government for last five years between 2014 and 2019.

. We also discussed legal implications as the formation of government is taking time: state BJP President Chandrakant Patil

. Shiv Sena legislators unanimously endorseparty President Uddhav Thackeray’s stand on government formation on the basis of 50:50 power-sharing formula

. While stating that hismeeting with the RSS chief hadnothing to do with government formation, Minister for Road Transport & HighwaysNitin Gadkari said that the government should be formed under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and that they weretalking to Shiv Sena.

. Ahead of the BJP delegation's meeting with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, state Finance Minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungatiwar said that they wished to form a government with the Shiv Sena.

"We want to run a strong and stable government andwe wish to form itwith the Shiv Sena. Uddhav ji had himself said earlier that Devendra Fadnavis ji is also a Shiv Sainik," saidMungantiwar.

. There have been no talks yet between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on government formation in Maharashtra, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday.

Talking to reporters here ahead of the meeting of Shiv Sena MLAs with Thackeray, Raut said legislators of his party and the opposition Congress and NCP "would not cross sides".

Read the full report here .

. There have been no talks yet between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on government formation in Maharashtra, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday.

Talking to reporters here ahead of the meeting of Shiv Sena MLAs with Thackeray, Raut said legislators of his party and the opposition Congress and NCP "would not cross sides".

Read more here .

. Amidst political uncertainty, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Wednesday steered clear by ruling out any NCP-Congress support to Shiv Sena to form government in Maharashtra.

According to him, the BJP-Sena has got the mandate in the 21 October polls and they should form the government.

"We don't want a Constitutional crisis in Maharashtra. Where is the question of Shiv Sena-NCP government? They (Sena and BJP) have been together for the last 25 years and they will come back again," said Pawar, a former minister in the Congress-led UPA government.

Read the full report here .

. A delegation of BJP will meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Thursday as Shiv Sena seems to run out of options after the NCP-Congress rejected any help for the government formation.

State BJP President and Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil and Finance, Planning and Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar will meet Governor and apprise him of the political situation and the damages that farmers suffered because of unseasonal rains and remedial measures by the government.

Read the full report here .

. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar is quoted as saying, in Saamana'seditorial on Novemeber 7, that the only "sweet news" for Maharashtra would be when Shiv Sena gets a Chief Minister.

. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray will chair a meeting of top leaders and legislators at 11 am. Later at 2 pm, state BJP president and Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil and Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

. Admitting that the Shiv Sena has "genuine grievances" against the BJP,veteran politician and Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy said that both the parties need to be together for the larger cause of Hindutva.

Read more here .

. Congress yet to name the leader of the Congress Legislative Party in Maharashtra, decides to adopt the "wait and watch" policy.

. A clarity on the future course of Maharashtra's political scenario is expected on Wednesday.Both the BJP and Shiv Sena,however,maintained that the post of Chief Minister is "non-negotiable" for them.

While BJP leaders maintained that Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who has been re-elected as the BJP's legislature party leader,will be given a second term,the Shiv Sena made it clear that the CM will be from their party and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray will take a final call on the name.

Read the full report here .

. NCP President Sharad Pawar will address a Press Conference tomorrow,6th November 2019 at 12:30 pm. They are expected to meet at theY.B. Chavan Centre, near Mantralaya, Mumbai.

. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to meet RSS chief now

. "A good news regarding government formation can come at any moment," Maharashtra finance minister and senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said.

. We had a comprehensive discussion, we will wait for Shiv Sena but the government will be ours only. There is no 'if' and 'but' here, you will get the news anytime that we are forming the government: BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar

. "People have given mandate to BJP-Shiv Sena alliance,we'll honour that mandate & form govt. Shiv Sena is yet to give any proposal. BJP's doors are always open for Shiv Sena," saysChandrakant Patil BJP Maharashtra President after party meeting.

. Vidhan Bhavan getsready for the special session for swearing in of new members of 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

. I have written a letter to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat to initiate & send Nitin Gadkari for negotiations. Nitin Gadkari will be able to resolve the situation within two hours:Shiv Sena leader Kishore Tiwari on formation of government in Maharashtra

. Union Minister and Former President of Lok Janshakti Party, Ram Vilas Paswan said,"I am hopeful that the party will move ahead under Chirag's leadership. The party will be strengthened further."

. When NCP President Sharad Pawar reaches Mumbai, he will brief us in detail, says state NCP President Jayant Patil.

. The Shiv Sena has not given any proposal to us so far, so discussion on the issue of supoorting Sena does not arise: state NCP President Jayant Patil

. Today also our position is the same, wehave been mandated to sit in opposition and we will sit, but there has to be a government to oppose: state NCP President Jayant Patil

. The Congress and the NCP have sought time from Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to meet him today regarding some 'important work.'

. Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday reiterated the Shiv Sena's stand on the party's stake to the CM's post."Chief Minister would be from Shiv Sena only," said Raut.

. As the suspense over government formation in Maharashtra continued, BJP sources on Monday said the party would wait and watch how the situation pans out in the next few days as the ball was now in its ally Shiv Sena's court.

Read more here .

. As the will-they-won't-they game persists in Maharashtra, it seems like Congress Chief Sonia Gandhiis not too keen on joining hands with the Shiv Sena, according to a report in NDTV.

. "BJP is responsible for forming the government in Maharashtra; Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has not sought NCP's support," says Sharad Pawar.

. "People of Maharashtra, as of today, are notin favour of BJP,"says NCP Chief Sharad Pawar

. Will visit Mumbai on Tuesday and speak to NCP leaders and meet Sonia Gandhi again on Wednesday, says Pawar

. Interacting with the media at the Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi after meeting BJP President Amit Shah,Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis refused to comment on the remarks made by several leaders on the government formation exercise in Maharashtra.

"I will not comment. Many people are saying many things. I would only say that Maharashtra needs a new government. A new government will be formed very soon," Fadnavis said

. Amid the ongoing tussle over government formation in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said his scheduled meeting with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday evening will be a "courtesy call" with no political motive.

. Late Vilasrao Deshmukh's two sons Amit and Dhiraj, who have been elected from Latur City and Latur Rural, respectively, greeting NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

. The Shiv Sena on Saturday slammed senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar for his statement that Maharashtra may head for President's rule if the new government is not put in place by November 7 and sarcastically questioned the senior ally whether the President's seal was lying at its office in the state.

. MahaYuti Alliance Parties Leaders Ramdas Athawale, Mahadeo Jankar, Sada Bhau Khot, Vinayak Mete will be meeting Maharashtra Governor tomorrow 2nd November 11.30 am, Raj Bhavan

. In a bolt from the blue, the Left-wing Peasants & Workers Party (PWP) has given support to the BJP and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The PWP, which in2014, had three MLAs, now has been reduced to one.

. NCP leader Ajit Pawar has said his party and ally Congress will sit in the opposition even as the ruling BJP and the Shiv Sena remain engaged in a tussle over government formation in Maharashtra.

Pawar said the people of the state have asked his party to sit in the opposition, as reflected in the election results, and it will do the same.

. BJP-Shiv-Sena have got people's mandate to form a stable govt in Maharashtra. We want them to form govt and prove majority on the floor of the House. If they are not able to prove majority, then, we will certainly try to form the government, saysNCP leader Nawab Malik

. If the government is not in place by November 7, the state may head for President's rule, says Finance Minister and senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar

. The Maharashtra chief minister will be from the Shiv Sena, Sanjay Raut asserted."No ultimatum to the BJP (on government formation). They are big people," he said.If the Sena decides, it can get the required numbers to form a stable government in Maharashtra, he said.

. Sanjay Raut said that there are no talks between BJP, Shiv Sena on government formation. He also said that no ultimatum will be given to BJP as they are big people.

Raut also said that the next Maharashtra CM will be from Shiv Sena, according to PTI report.

. Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya said that his father's words would be the final one on the issue of government formation.

"I will not talk about government formation. Whatever has to be said, Uddhav ji will say...his words would be final," Aadityasaid, emerging out of Raj Bhavan after meeting the Governor.

. A delegation of Shiv Sena leaders, including MLA Aditya Thackeray, on Thursday, met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

A Sena leader said the delegation sought prompt financial aid for farmers hit by untimely rains. Others in the delegation included Maharashtra minister Eknath Shinde, who was earlier in the day elected the party leader in the state legislature.

At the party meeting, Shinde's candidature was proposed by Aaditya Thackeray, whose name was also doing the rounds for the post.

The election was announced at the meeting of the newly-elected Sena MLAs at party office Sena Bhavan in Dadar area.

PTI

. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed 'disappointment' over chief minister Devendra Fadnvais' statement that the BJP had not promised 'fifty-fifty' formula for power-sharing in Maharashtra, sources said.

. The smaller allies of the BJP-Shiv Sena led MahaYuti has backed Devendra Fadnavis for the post of Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

The smaller allies including Republican Party of India, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, Shiv Sangram and Rayat Kranti Sanghatana met under the leadership of Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale.

. A Shiv Sena delegation comprising Yuva Sena President Aditya Thackeray, leader of legislature party Eknath Shinde and ministers Diwakar Raote and Ramdas Kadam to meet Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at 3.30 pm today.

. Senior Congress leaders met today at the Tilak Bhavan at Dadar in Mumbai.

Maharashtra Congress President Balasaheb Thorat, former CMs Sushilkumar Shinde, Prithviraj Chavan and Ashok Chavan, AICC in-charge of state Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Mukul Wasnik were present at the meet.

. 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. An astute politician with ears to the ground and eyes on the horizon, Devendra Fadnavis has emerged as one of the most trusted team member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The leader with a 'Mr Clean' image and a face of 'Common Man' - has surpassed many stalwarts in Maharashtra politics.

. Independent MLA from Chandrapur Assembly Constituency Kishor Jorgewar met to handover unconditional support letter with leaders from Chandrapur.

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. Amid bickering between his party and the Shiv Sena over sharing of power in the next Maharashtra government, senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday said party chief AmitShahand his Sena counterpartUddhavThackeray will finalise the contours of the "50:50 formula".

Read more here .

. Former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday said his party will "consider" any "concrete" proposal on government formation in Maharashtra from the Shiv Sena, which is locked in a bitter tussle with the BJP over sharing of power.

. State Transport Minister and senior Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote called on Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai on Monday. Raote extended his Diwali greetings to the Governor.

. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote to meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari separately today. Raj Bhawan confirms it is a courtesy visit during Diwali festival.

. Leaders of the MahaYuti ruling coalition, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,are positivethat they would get much ahead of the projected 220-plus figure in the 288-seat Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. On the other hand, BJP's principal Opposition partner Shiv Sena expectsto cross 100 seats.

. Yuva Swabhiman Party MLA Ravi Rana writes to Devendra Fadnavis offering his unconditional support to BJP. Ravi Rana is MLA from Badnera Assembly constituency in Amravati, he defeated Shiv Sena's Band Priti Sanjay by a margin of 15,541 votes.

. Independent MLA and Prahar Janshakti Party president Bacchu Kadu gives a letter of support to Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.

. The ball is in BJP's court,it is up to Shiv Sena to decide if they want a 5 year CM or wait for BJP's response on 2.5 yr CM demand. If Sena's proposal comes to us, we will discuss with the high command: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar

. In our meeting, it was decided that like Amit Shah ji had promised 50-50 formula before LS polls, similarly both allies should get chance to run Govt for 2.5-2.5 years so Shiv Sena should also have CM. Uddhav Ji should get this assurance in writing from BJP : Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sainik

. Hello readers, thank you for tuning in with Deccanherald.com . To read analysis on Assembly Elections 2019, click here .

To check Haryana Assembly Elections results, click here .

. The MahaYuti grand alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena is set to return to power for the second successive term in Maharashtra, but with a heavily reduced margin. Thismay change the political dynamics of the western state.

. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi feels Congress party did not work hard in Maharashtra, in Haryana too, it is the achievement of regional leaders, this is my assessment so far.

. It may not have been the much-touted landslide of over 220 seats ( Ab ki bar 220 par ) but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena alliance looks set to form the next government in Maharashtra unless something drastically goes wrong.

. In the newly-elected 288-memberMaharashtraLegislative Assembly, there would be only 23 women, eleven of them sitting legislators.

It is still an improvement over 2014 when only 16 women were elected to the lower house.

The sitting legislators who were elected on Thursday were Manda Mhatre (from Belapur), Manisha Chaudhari (Dahisar), Vidya Thakur (Goregaon), Devyani Farande (Nashik Central), Seema Hiray (Nashik West), Madhuri Misal (Parvati), Monica Rajale (Shevgaon) and Bharati Lavhekar (Versova).

All eight MLAs are from the BJP.

PTI

. Amidst a nail-biting finish, hard-bargaining between ruling BJP and Shiv Sena has started over the post of the chief minister of Maharashtra and an equal power-sharing ratio.

One thing is clear, the new government would not take charge before Diwali - given the fact that the Shiv Sena's bargaining power has increased significantly.

. In Maharashtra, in the last 50 years, not a single Chief Minister has been able to serve continuously for the entire five years. Devendraji after 50 years of continuous work as Chief Minister for 5 years: PM Modi

. I assure the people of Maharashtra and Haryana that we will work hard to be at par with your expectations, promises Modi.

. Devendra Fadnavis ji and Manohar Lal ji both were first-time chief ministers, they did not even have the experience as ministers. And for 5 years they kept working for people's welfare and as a result, people have again put their faith in them: Modi

. Modi recalls how BJP had to struggle for just a handful seats to contest in Haryana befoe 2014

. Modi says Haryana victory is unprecedented. Getting elected for the second time in a scenario where governments hardly get repeated is a big achievement.

. First of all, before Diwali began, the people of Maharashtra and Haryana have expressed confidence in the BJP and our colleagues, for the blessings that I have given, I greet them with a conscience: PM Modi

. Today, on the occasion of BJP's victory in both the States, we have gathered here, first of all, I wish to thank and congratulate the people of Haryana and Maharashtra on behalf of crores of BJP workers: Amit Shah

. BJP has won the election in the two states the first election after Modi 2:0 government came to power. Maharashtra and Haryana were not the states where we had come to power earlier, BJP chief Amit Shah tells cadres at BJP headquarters

. Maharashtra and Haryana are not our traditional bastions: Amit Shah

. The third generation of the Pawar-family entered legislative politics when the Maratha strongman and NCP-founder president Sharad Pawar's grand nephew Rohit Pawar won the elections from Karjat-Jamkhed seat.

. "We respectfully and humbly accept the mandate in the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections. This is a moral defeat of the BJP. Modiji, Amit Shah and the entire leadership were unaware of the ground reality," says AICC senior spokesperson Anand Sharma.

"Their campaign was based on issues not concerning masses, they misused governance, administration was in their possession, they had all means available to influence people. But Modi & BJP were silent on real issues like farmer crisis, economy, unemployment etc." he said.

. "In Maharashtra, our coalition partner NCP has also won a lot of seats. BJP has drowned in their arrogance," says Anand Sharma, spokesperson of Congress.

. "People of Maharashtra have blessed the NDA with immense affection. We are humbled to have got the people’s support yet again. Our work towards Maharashtra’s progress continues! I salute each and every Karyakarta of the BJP, Shiv Sena and our entire NDA family for their hardwork," tweeted PM Modi.

. I express my gratitude to the people of Maharashtra & thank them for bringing back this govt once again. I extend my greetings to CM Devendra Fadnavis, BJP President Amit Shah & PM Narendra Modi for this electoral: Nitin Gadkari

. Former police inspector Rajesh Padvi, who had resigned from service to join politics and secured a ticket from the BJP for theMaharashtraAssembly polls, emerged a winner on Thursday, while three other retired police officials, who were also in the poll fray, lost.

Among the retired police officials who lost elections was former 'encounter specialist' Pradeep Sharma.

Padvi, whose last posting was at the suburban Andheri Police Station, had resigned from the police service just a few days before the October 21 elections.

He contested the assembly elections from Shahada in his home district of Nandurbar in NorthMaharashtraas the BJP nominee.

The former police officer defeated Congress candidate Padmakar Valvi, his nearest rival, by a margin of over 7,000 votes.

PTI

. In an anti-climax, the Haryana election seems to be heading for a hung assembly. BJP currently has won 31 seats in the Jatland and is nowhere near the halfway mark.With a close contest, will JJP play the kingmaker?

Track results of Haryana Assembly elections here .

. It was a muted mandate for the ruling BJP in Maharashtra while Haryana threw up a hung verdict, though the saffron party emerged as the single largest party in both states and is on way to forming government in Maharashtra.

. NCP leader Rohit Pawar, the grand-nephew of former union minister Sharad Pawar wins from Karjat Jamkhed constituency againstProf. Ram Shankar Shinde.

. "All big leaders of Congress and NCP won", says former CM and Congress loyalist Prithviraj Chavan.

He added, "It is an alliance of BJP, Sena and ED."

. Meanwhile,Late NCP leader RR Patil's wife Sumantai Patil wins Tasgaon seat.

. There is no need to be so happy, We will form the govt: Fadnavis to Opposition

. We have decided, we will go ahead accordingly, you will come to know in due course of time: Fadnavis

. Opposition increased in numbers but that is not significant: Devendra Fadnavis

. In have seen the press conference of Uddhav Thackeray, we will go ahead as decided: Devendra Fadnavis

. This is happening after ages that the same CM is going to repeat his term in the state: Fadnavis

. Opposition increased in numbers but that is not significant, says Fadnavis

. We are shocked that Udayanraje Bhosale lost form Satara Lok Sabha polls: Devendra Fadnavis

. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "We don't fight elections for personal gains."

He also said that the opposition has been sleeping for five years and should not at least for the next five.

. As parents me and Rashmi are proud of Aditya, I bow down and thank people of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray

. We will go by the power-sharing formula decided before Lok Sabha polls, please see the videos of the press conference of that day, you see and show it to public, says Uddhav Thackeray

. State Congress president Balasaheb Thorat wins from Sangamner

. People had opened the eyes, I thank people of state, says Uddhav in a jibe at BJP

. I also have to grow my party that is why I think that soonwe will come together and discuss with Amit Shah and decide on what the formula will be: Uddhav

. "We have to work in govt will full responsibility. We have numbers to form a government", says Uddhav Thackeray

. PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister & BJP President Amit Shah will meet and address the party workers at the party headquarters this evening. BJP Parliamentary Board will also meet at the party headquarters today.

. Aaditya Thackeray’s first memorable public action even before he floated his new Yuva Sena party in October 2010 was when he was a final year student at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. He was already aware of the clout he could command. As the late editor and writer Aroon Tikekar put it: “How can a 20-year-old walk up to the University of Mumbai’s vice chancellor and give him a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw a book from the syllabus?”

That was a rhetorical question. His move was reminiscent of the remote control actions of his grandfather Bal Thackeray, founder of the Shiv Sena. The book was Such a Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry, also a St Xavier’s alumnus, and recommended as an optional text for second year B.A. students by the Board of Studies. A day before it was withdrawn as a text, the student wing of the Shiv Sena — the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena (BVS) burnt copies of Mistry’s book at the gate of the University as it had “derogatory” references to the Shiv Sena and the Marathi manoos. The then vice chancellor, Rajan Welukar, came under criticism for invoking emergency powers under Section 14 (7) of the Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994, to withdraw the book from the syllabus. Such is the power of being a Thackeray, and young Aaditya was already conscious of its import.

Read the full report here .

. All eyes are set onShiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya, who is a candidatefrom Worli, as and a section of party leaders are projecting him as the next chief minister.

. Aditya Thackeray win elections from Worli , the first in Thackeray clan to be in a legislative body 53 years after Shiv Sena was formed

. Today the country is stressing is about the economy, unemployment, price rise, farmers' issue being big challenges. Core issues are being left out. This mandate clearly tells you that people want somebody who will deliver superior results: Supriya Sule.

She added, "I appreciate the trust and the faith and express absolute gratitude to people of Maharashtra for showing this faith in us."

. Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena opens account. Pramod Patil wins from Kalyan Rural

. From day one all eyes were set at Parli and the battle was who would control the legacy of late Gopinath Munde. In a tough contest, leader of opposition in Council Dhananjay Munde of NCP defeated BJP's Pankaja Munde, who is the rural development minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government. Pankaja was once the contender of the post of CM.

Her sister Dr Pritam Munde is a two-term MP from Beed. The fight between the Munde cousins had taken an early turn in the fag end of the campaign. "I thank 'my baap janta'....but am happy and sad...after all, I am the eldest in the family," an emotional Dhananjay said.

. Two sons of late Congressman and ex-chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has won the polls in their home district of Latur. While elder son Amit Deshmukh won the Latur City seat for the third term, younger son Dhiraj Deshmukh made debut from Latur Rural .

Their brother Ritesh Deshmukh is a popular actor in Hindi and Marathi cinema. Deshmukh Sr was one of the tallest leaders of the state and had served as CM of Maharashtra twice and had also been part of the Congress-led UPA government led by Dr Manmohan Singh.

. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, that controls fastest-growing urban conglomeration of Vasai-Virar in Mumbai's far western suburbs has won three seats and managed to keep its tally intact.

While BVA founder Hitendra Thakur won the Vasai seat for the sixth term, his son Kshitij Thakur won the Nalasopara seat for the third term and Rajesh Patil the Boisar-ST seat.

The Shiv Sena for the last five years is trying to establish control in the region but failed. While Thakur Sr defeated Vijay Patil, a former Congressman, who was inducted before polls, Kshitij defeated encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma.

On the other in Boisar-ST seat, Patil defeated Vilas Tare, who moved from BVA to Sena. Couple of days ago, Thakur Sr announced that this was his last election.

. "I thank 'my baap jaanta', says NCP leader Dhananjay Munde of NCP after defeating cousin Pankaja Munde. "I am happy but also sad as I am the eldest in Munde family," an emotional Munde said.

. BJP leader andMaharashtracabinet minister Pankaja Munde on Thursday accepted her defeat from Parli assembly seat at the hands of her cousin and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde.

The result of the Parli seat has not been declared yet, but Pankaja was trailing behind Dhananjay Munde by almost 30,000 votes.

"I worked for the constituency. Though I was in the government, my struggle for my constituency and people continued. I take responsibility of this defeat," she said.

PTI

. Four time MLA and deputy leader of Congress Naseem Khan loses from Chandivli

. Five ministers in the Devendra Fadnavis government lose elections.Pankaja Munde, Ram Shinde prominent among them

. "25 years ago they tried to link my name with Dawood Ibrahim, the same people are doing it again", said NCP chief Sharad Pawar on ED probe against Praful Patel for alleged property deals with Iqbal Mirchi

. We will sit with Congress and other allies and decide the future course of action: Sharad Pawar

. People have ordered us to sit in Opposition, we will do that: NCP chief Sharad Pawar

. NCP's Shrinivas Patil wins Satara Lok Sabha bye-elections defeating BJP's Udayanraje Bhosale, the 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

. "You get chance to come to power, but keeping feet on the ground is important", says Sharad Pawar in a veiled attack on BJP

. "People have not accepted BJP's plan of 220-plus seats. I thank Congress, NCP and all allies ," saysNCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

. "I never expected this kind of a result, I have worked hard", says Pankaja Munde after her defeatin Parli at hands of cousin Dhananjay Munde. The Munde cousins are fighting over late Gopinath Munde's legacy.

. Rohit Pawar, the grand nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, leading over BJP minister Ram Shinde by 7,211 votes in Karjat-Jamkhed.

Congress candidate Amit Deshmukh leading by 7,823 votes over BJP's Shailesh Lahoti in Latur city.

His brother and Congress nominee Dhiraj Deshmukh leads by 15,383 votes over Baliram Done of the Vanchit Bahujan Agadhi in Latur-rural.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress leading by 1,392 votes in Brahmapuri over Shiv Sena's Sandeep Gadamwar.

Congress MLA Praniti Shinde trailing behind AIMIM candidate Haji Shabdi and Independent nominee Mahesh Kothe in Solapur-city central seat.

State Congress president Balasaheb Thorat leading by 5,485 votes over Shiv Sena rival Sahebrao Navale in Sangamner.

NCP state president Jayant Patil leading by 7,609 votes over Independent nominee Nishikant Bhosale in Islampur.

. Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal leading over his Shiv Sena rival Sambhaji Pawar by 2,542 votes in Yevla .

. He was the first to resign from Congress and join BJP. He was also the leader of opposition in Assembly.

. Shiv Sena party supporters celebrate outside the counting centre as their candidate Yamini Jadhav leads from Byculla.

. The Maharashtra unit of BJP has made 'victory' preparations at its headquarter in Mumbai for October 24 when counting of votes for the assembly elections will be taken up. BJP officials have given order for 5000 'laddus' and for putting up a huge screen to see the live coverage of counting. Orders for garlands are also placed, a party official said on Wednesday.

BJP workers have been asked to reach the party headquarter located near Mantralaya or the state secretariat, in south Mumbai after 10 am on Thursday when the poll trends are expected to emerge. ( PTI )

. Similar to the Lok Sabha elections 2019, counting of votes will begin at 8.00 am across Maharashtra. The leads will become clear by around 11.00 am.

. Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant on Thursday said his party's priority would be to keep the BJP "out of power" inMaharashtra.

As per trends available for 283 of the 288 Assembly seats in the state, the BJP was leading in 99, the Shiv Sena in 61, the NCP in 49, the Congress in 41 and Independents were ahead in 15 seats.

As counting of votes was underway, Sawant in a tweet said, "Congress' priority would be to keep BJP out of power."

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. "People have given a verdict to MahaYuti, but why we did not realise the target of 'abki baar, 220 paar', we will analyse, says senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, state finance minister.

. Track Haryana Assembly Election results here .

. Water resources minister Girish Mahajan, the troubleshooter of Devendra Fadnavis, gets a massive lead in Jamner

. Pune mayor and BJP leader Mukta Tilak, the wife of Shailesh Tilak, the great-grandson of revolutionary freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, wins from Kasba Peth in Pune.

. Former CM Narayan Rane's son and BJP candidate form Kankavli, Nitesh Rane's start victory celebrations

. Former CM and ex-Congress president Ashok Chavan gets a massive lead in Bhoka r seat in Nanded, closer to victory

. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that apart from winning the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP will win in upcoming Jharkhand and Delhi polls too

. Next Maharashtra CM would be from Shiv Sena, says veteran leader and ex Lok Sabha speaker Dr Manohar Joshi

. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena said, "I am going to meet Uddhav Ji. Number itne bure bhi nahi hain, aisa hota hai kabhi kabhi. Yes, we will definitely continue with the alliance. We have agreed upon a 50-50 formula."

. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi founder Hitendra Thakur leading in Vasai

. "In a democracy, opposition has to be strong, let us accept the mandate, the BJP-Sena should have given more seats to allies, but don't worry, the MahaYuti will form govt again", saysRamdas Athawale, RPI(A))

. The BJP and its ally Shiv Sena are continuing to surge with leads on 99 and 60 assembly constituencies, respectively, as counting of votes is underway, according to official trends of the Election Commission.

. Shiv Sena to claim CM post in the state and insist on 50:50 power sharing formula.

. In Nalasopara , Bahujan Vikas Aghadi's Kshitij Thakur leading against Shiv Sena candidate and encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma.

. State BJP president and revenue minister Chandrakant Patil leading from Kothrud in Pune. Post-counting, Patil, a Maratha from Kolhapur,will play a major role.

. Meanwhile, check Devendra Fadnavis's details here.

. BJP leadsin 99 constituencies, Shiv Sena leading in 60 constituencies, NCPin 48 constituencies & Indian National Congress (INC) in 40.

. Track live updates of Haryana Assembly Election Results here .

. NCP leader Ajit Pawar, the nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, inch closer to victory in Baramati .

. CM Devendra Fadnavis contesting from Nagpur South-West Constituency is leading, after 2nd round of counting.

. Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi's Kshitij Hitendra Thakur leading on Nalasopara assembly seat.

. "Very happy that I am leading, we all fought under the leadership of Sharad Pawar", says NCP candidate from Karjat Jamkhed and his grandnephew Rohit Pawar who is contesting polls for the first time.

. The ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance on Thursday looked on course to retaining power in Maharashtra as per early trends of counting of votes available so far.

Of the trends in 81 of 288 Assembly seats available so far, BJP is leading in 26, Shiv Sena in 22, while opposition Congress is ahead in seven seats and NCP in 17.

. Congress candidate from Solapur Central Praniti Shinde, the daughter of former Home Minister and Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde, is trailing.

. NCP's Shrinivas Patil, a former bureaucrat and close Sharad Pawar aide, leading against BJP's Udayanraje Bhosale, the descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Satara Lok Sabha by-polls15000 votes.

. Former CM Narayan Rane's son and BJP candidate Nitesh Rane leading in Kankavli

. Meanwhile, track the live results of Haryana Assembly Elections here .

. Sons of late Congress stalwart, Amit Deshmukh leads in Latur City and Dhiraj Deshmukh leads in Latur Rural

. Hello readers, welcome to our live coverage of Maharashtra Assembly elections results 2019. While the opinion polls have predicted majority win for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, we are yet to see the result. Stay tuned for live updates on how key candidates fare in their constituencies and more.

. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan leading in Karad South

Track the constituency-wise result for Maharashtra Assembly Elections here .

. Candidates of Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navanirman Sena leading in two places in Thane district .

. Former BJP MLA Anil Gote, the independent candidate from Maharashtra's Dhule Assembly seat, spent the night outside the EVM strong room in his segment, claiming he was guarding the facility to avoid any misuse of the voting machines ahead of counting on Thursday.

. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray contesting from Worli assembly constituency leading with 7020 votes after first round of counting.

. BJP's Vikhe Patil Radhakrishna EknathRao leading by 6313 votes from Shirdi assembly constituency , after first round of counting

. BJP's Udayanraje Bhosale trailing in Satara Lok Sabha seat.Meanwhile, NCP's Shrinivas Patil leading after the first round.

. As per Election Commission early trends, BJP is leading in 15 constituencies, Shiv Sena leading in 11 constituencies, Congress leading in 3 constituencies and NCP leading in 9 constituencies.

. The Pawar family has been winning the Baramati seat since 1967, a record 53 years

. Dhananjay Munde (NCP) leading in Parli against cousin Pankaja Munde of BJP

. Early trends in the Maharashtra Assembly election counting show the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance Shiv Sena taking lead, while Congress and NCP alliance is trailing.

As of 8:30 am, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is leading in 53 seats, while the Congress-NCP are ahead only in 16 seats. Other political parties are leading in six seats.

Early morning, the Maharashtra unit of BJP started making 'victory' preparations at its headquarters in Mumbai. BJP officials gave order for 5,000 'laddus' and for putting up a huge screen to see the live coverage of counting. Orders for garlands are also placed, a party official said on Wednesday.

Track the constituency-wise result for Maharashtra Assembly Elections here .

. Ashok Mane, candidate of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) from Baramati assembly constituency in Pune district, was allegedly thrashed by some party workers, the police said on Wednesday.

The workers were angry with Mane as he declared support to NCP candidate Ajit Pawar despite being in the fray himself as the BSP candidate, the police said.

Read the full report here .

. CM Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and senior leaders will decide on the formation of government, says Dr Neelam Gorhe of Shiv Sena. Heis the Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council.

. Meanwhile, counting of votes has begun in Haryana, which also witnessed Assembly elections along with Maharashtra. Track the live updates for Haryana Assembly election result here.

. Counting of votes for Maharashtra Assembly polls and Satara Lok Sabha bypol l, held on Monday, began at 8 am on Thursday, election officials said.

Counting of votes for all the 288 Assembly segments began at 269 locations in the state, the officials said.

Exit polls have predicted a comfortable win for the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance government in the state.

Around 25,000 personnel are deployed on counting duty, an election official said, adding police have also made adequate arrangements to ensure a smooth counting process.

Track the live status of counting here .

. "We will cross 220 seats," says senior BJP leader water resources minister Girish Mahajan, the troubleshooter of CM Devendra Fadnavis. Girish Mahajan admits NCP supremo Sharad Pawar campaigned well.

. Ashok Mane, candidate of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) from Baramati assembly constituency in Pune district, was allegedly thrashed by some party workers, the police said on Wednesday. The workers were angry with Mane as he declared support to NCP candidate Ajit Pawar despite being in the fray himself as the BSP candidate, the police said.

"Some BSP workers met Mane at a hotel in Baramati on Tuesday to discuss the issue. Some other workers stormed in and threw ink on his face and asked him why he supported Pawar," a police official said. ( PTI )

. Just as the 2014 and to some extent, the 2019 elections were about Narendra Modi, the election to the Maharashtra’s Assembly appears to be more about Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and less about the polls. The victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Shiv Sena, in the 2019 state Assembly elections on October 21 seems to be a fait accompli. So what exactly has been Fadnavis’ contribution to propelling the BJP to a dominant position in Maharashtra?

Finding a face in Fadnavis

As a precursor to the polls, Fadnavis embarked on a state-wide ‘mahajanadesh yatra’. He has clearly become the face of the BJP in what was once a Congress-dominated state, fattened on a base of rich cooperative organisations. But all that has faded into the past in a matter of five years after the BJP won 122 seats it contested on its own while the Shiv Sena managed 63 (out of a total 288 assembly seats) in 2014.

Read the full report here .

. Exit polls have predicted that the BJP will retain power in Maharashtra with two-third majority in the Assembly polls held on Monday, while the Opposition has a long way to catch up.

The BJP-Shiv Sena combine could win 196 to 243 out of 288 seats in Maharashtra while the saffron party is expected to romp home with 47 to 80 out of 90 seats in Haryana. The exit polls indicate that voters in both the states have voted the same way they did in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this May.

Read the full report here .

Maharashtra government formation HIGHLIGHTS: From vote-counting day to Fadnavis swearing-in as CM again

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar-led NCP meeting underway

Shiv Sena-Cong-NCP will form government in Maharashta, says NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik

SC will decide on the urgency of the case: Advocate of SS-Cong-NCP

NCP leader Jayant Patil replaces Ajit Pawar as NCP legislative party leader

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