With no end to the drama in Maharashtra, the Supreme Court on Monday resumed crucial hearing on a petition filed by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress combine against the decision taken by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari.
The top court on Sunday gave a 24-hour breather to the Centre, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Ajit Pawar, asking them to submit relevant documents and letters of support from MLAs before the top court. Congress-Sena-NCP combine, on the other hand, demanded an immediate floor test, claiming BJP does not have the numbers to show the majority. The tripartite alliance is expected to continue demanding an immediate floor test after accusing BJP of trying to poach its MLAs.
Letter of Governor now being read out to the SC
The letter of Governor BS Koshyari is now being read out in the courtroom. The Governor, having received these letters from BJP and Ajit Pawar, requested the President to revoke the President's Rule in the state. The letter from Governor Koshyari highlighted that Fadnavis had the support of 170 MLAs.
"The court should appreciate it. The Governor in his wisdom invited the largest party to form the govt. Governor does not have to go into a fishing inquiry. He could not have any other information," S-G Mehta said.
Letter submitted by BJP had the support of all 54 NCP MLAs
The letter submitted by BJP to the Governor had the support of all 54 NCP MLAs. He told the court that the governor thought maybe the whole stable has been stolen. "Governor waited for several days. Then called BJP to form govt. They say we can't form the government. Next day he calls Shiv Sena, they say we are not positioned to form the government. Then NCP called, says the same thing. In that situation, he (Governor) recommended President rule," Mehta said.
S-G now reading the Ajit Pawar's letter of support
The letter submitted by Ajit Pawar to the Governor on November 22 indicated that all elected MLAs have unanimously elected him as CLP and given him rights to form govt.
Key details on SC hearing
A three-judge bench of Justice NV Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna is hearing the matter. In the case, Mukul Rohatgi is representing Devendra Fadnavis, senior advocate and former ASG Maninder Singh appearing for Ajit Pawar.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Manu Singhvi is representing NCP, Kapil Sibal is representing the Shiv Sena and Centre is being represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.