In a significant revelation ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has claimed that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s letter to the Governor directly led to the imposition of President’s Rule in the state after the 2019 Assembly elections. Speaking in an interview with a Marathi daily, Fadnavis detailed behind-the-scenes discussions involving top leaders from various parties during the political stalemate.
After the 2019 elections, no party secured a clear majority to form the government. Fadnavis explained that the BJP lacked the required seats and, therefore, could not form the government. “The Governor invited Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena to form the government, but even they did not have a majority. Meanwhile, two NCP leaders approached me, stating that their party wanted to align with the BJP. A meeting was held involving me, Amit Shah, Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, and Praful Patel. It was decided in that meeting to form the government,” Fadnavis disclosed.
Strategy Behind President’s Rule
Fadnavis further revealed that during the meeting, it was agreed that if a government was not formed before November 10, 2019, President’s Rule would be imposed. “It was decided that President’s Rule should be allowed to be imposed, and then we would form the government. During this time, Sharad Pawar would tour the state and later announce that the NCP and BJP would unite for a stable government. All these steps were decided on Pawar’s instructions,” he added.
Pawar’s Role in the Letter
Shedding light on the imposition of President’s Rule, Fadnavis stated, “The Governor first invited BJP, then Shiv Sena, and finally the NCP to form the government. However, the NCP had already decided not to proceed. Sharad Pawar’s letter to the Governor was critical for President’s Rule. That letter was typed in my office, and Mr. Pawar suggested changes before signing it. His letter effectively brought President’s Rule into effect.”
Fadnavis also countered claims that Pawar was not involved in the plan, stating, “If Pawar now denies that President’s Rule was part of his strategy, the truth is that his letter was central to its imposition.”
Political Fallout
The revelations have added a new dimension to the already intense political battle in Maharashtra. With Fadnavis openly attributing the imposition of President’s Rule to Pawar’s actions, the NCP chief is likely to face scrutiny over his role in the events of 2019. The BJP’s narrative seeks to portray the political stalemate and the eventual alliance between the Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP as a fallout of premeditated decisions.
The disclosure is expected to stir further debates as Maharashtra prepares for the next electoral showdown, with questions raised about the strategies and alliances that shaped the state’s political landscape.