Maharashtra Placed Under President's Rule

In his report to President Ram Nath Kovind, Governor Koshyari says it is impossible to constitute a stable government

- Vijaita Singh

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday approved a proclamation imposing President’s Rule in Maharashtra, following a recommendation from Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Assembly will be kept under suspended animation.

Mr. Koshyari’s decision comes a day after he invited the third largest party in the Assembly, the NCP, to explore the possibility of forming a government in the State.

Cabinet meets

Soon after the Governor’s report was sent, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met and approved a recommendation to the President to issue a proclamation under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution, a senior Home Ministry official said.

The Cabinet assembled at the Prime Minister’s residence minutes before he was to fly to Brazil to attend the BRICS summit.

In his report to the President, Mr. Koshyari said a situation had arisen in which it was impossible to constitute or form a stable government in the State, and the government could not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.