Despite initial confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance's victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut retracts statement and claims the results are not acceptable. This comes as the alliance struggles to maintain their lead against the MahaYuti alliance. In response, BJP Minister Chandrakant Patil extends an invitation to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to rejoin the MahaYuti, stating their comfortable position in forming the next government. The decision for the next chief minister will be made by the top leadership of the BJP and MahaYuti.
Maharashtra Elections: Shiv Sena Backtracks, BJP Extends Invitation to Thackeray
Background:
The Maharashtra Assembly elections held on October 21, 2019, saw a fierce battle between the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance led by Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Indian National Congress (INC), and the opposition MahaYuti alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena (Balasaheb) faction.
Initial Confidence and Retraction:
Initially, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut expressed confidence in the MVA's victory. However, as counting began, the alliance's lead began to dwindle. Raut subsequently retracted his statement, claiming that the results were "not acceptable" and that the alliance would explore legal options.
BJP's Invitation to Thackeray:
Responding to the MVA's struggle, BJP Minister Chandrakant Patil extended an invitation to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to rejoin the MahaYuti alliance. Patil stated that the BJP-MahaYuti duo was "in a comfortable position to form the next government" and that Thackeray should consider their offer.
Decision-Making Process:
Patil indicated that the decision for the next chief minister would be made by the top leadership of the BJP and MahaYuti. This suggests that a compromise candidate could be chosen to appease both the BJP and the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, who is also a claimant for the position.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why did Sanjay Raut retract his victory statement? Answer: Raut retracted his statement after the MVA alliance's lead diminished during counting.
2. What is the BJP's position on the election results? Answer: The BJP claims to be in a comfortable position to form the government, and has invited Uddhav Thackeray to join the MahaYuti alliance.
3. Who will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra? Answer: The decision will be made by the top leadership of the BJP and MahaYuti.
4. How did the MVA alliance fare in the elections? Answer: The MVA alliance is struggling to maintain its lead against the MahaYuti alliance.
5. What are the possible scenarios for government formation? Answer: A BJP-led government with or without Shiv Sena's support, or a return to MVA rule with the inclusion of independent MLAs are potential outcomes.
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