Why isn't Governor calling the single largest party to form govt, asks Sharad Pawar

Mumbai: With the impasse on government formation in Maharashtra continuing even a fortnight after Assembly poll results, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said why wasn't the governor calling the single largest party.

Pawar said he was not aware why Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari was not inviting the BJP, which emerged as the single largest party winning 105 seats in the October 21 Assembly election, to stake claim to form the government.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday met Pawar here "to seek his advice" on ending the deadlock over government formation in Maharashtra.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Pawar said he suggested to the BJP and Shiv Sena through Athavale that they should respect the "clear cut majority" people have given



them.

The Shiv Sena won 56 seats, NCP 54 and Congress 44 in the 288-member House.

Pawar said, "Such a situation should not prevail in a state like Maharashtra. He (Athawale) asked for advice. We have consensus that the people have given the BJP and Shiv Sena clear cut mandate."

For how long can the President or Governor wait, Pawar said, adding they will have to take some decision soon.

"Our advice is you (BJP and Shiv Sena) have the mandate. You follow it," he added.

"I have had a close relationship with Pawar Saheb for years... I came here to take his advice. Pawar's opinion is that the Shiv Sena and BJP should form the government. He asked me to advise the two parties to form the government," Athawale said.