Election Commission Dismisses President's Rule Speculation in Maharashtra

The Election Commission has termed Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's claims of possible President's Rule in Maharashtra as baseless. The Commission clarified its role in conducting elections and outlined the constitutional process for government formation following the state's assembly polls scheduled for November 2024.

The Election Commission has swiftly dismissed allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding the imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra. Commission sources asserted on Monday that these claims lack constitutional merit.

As per the Commission's process, after assembly elections, it submits a list of newly elected MLAs to the Governor. The Governor then facilitates government formation under Article 164 of the Constitution. This procedure is expected to be completed before November 26, 2024, post vote tallying on November 23.

Sanjay Raut had voiced concerns over limited time for government formation, accusing the BJP of manipulating the election timeline to avoid defeat to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Maharashtra is set to vote on November 20, with results by November 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)