Shiv Sena's Raut Allegations on President's Rule Dismissed by Officials

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's claims about potential President's Rule in Maharashtra are baseless, according to state electoral officials. They clarified the election process timeline and constitutional duties post-elections, opposing Raut's view of BJP manipulating election dates due to fear of losing to the MVA alliance.

In a rebuttal to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's assertions, sources from the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office declared his claims of imminent President's Rule in Maharashtra as unfounded. The officials emphasized the lack of understanding of constitutional provisions demonstrated by Raut's remarks.

Electoral office sources informed ANI that the Election Commission is tasked with conducting the elections and submitting the list of newly elected MLAs to the Governor within six months following the assembly's term expiration, adhering to Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 and Article 172(1) of the Constitution.

The election process will be completed by November 26, 2024, with conclusion of counting set for November 23. The Governor, after receiving the MLA list, will initiate government formation within his constitutional obligations under Article 164, unaffected by the expiry of the Assembly term, which is merely an administrative deadline.

On Sunday, Raut accused BJP of fearing a prospective loss in the Maharashtra assembly elections against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), suggesting this apprehension led to the election schedule's brevity post-results declaration. Maharashtra is slated to hold state elections on November 20, with outcomes expected by November 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)