President's rule was imposed in Maharashtra on Tuesday evening amid a political impasse, after Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in a report to the Centre stated that formation of a stable government was impossible in the current situation despite all his efforts, drawing flak from non-BJP parties.
The development came as senior Congress leaders deputed by party chief Sonia Gandhi were in a huddle with NCP president Sharad Pawar in south Mumbai on supporting Shiv Sena to form a government in the state, which has plunged into political uncertainty after the BJP and the Shiv Sena parted ways due to disagreement over power sharing though their alliance got a comfortable majority in the Assembly polls.
After the meeting, Congress leader Ahmed Patel insisted no final decision can be taken without formulation of common minimum programme by the three parties. He also condemned the imposition of President's rule and said Congress was not given an opportunity to form government.
Earlier in the day, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi considered the report of the Governor to the President that was submitted at noon.
The Cabinet recommended that the President issue a Proclamation under Article 356(1) of the Constitution imposing President's rule in Maharashtra and keep the state legislative assembly under suspended animation.
"President Ram Nath Kovind has signed the proclamation," an official said
In his report, the governor said that a situation has arisen in the state "in which it is impossible to constitute and/or form a stable Government in the state", officials said
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