BJP calls for President's rule in Maharashtra

A letter has been handed to Governor C Vidyasagar Rao seeking immediate sacking of the Prithviraj Chavan government

A day after NCP pulled out of the Congress-led coalition government in Maharashtra reducing it to a minority, BJP today demanded its immediate dismissal and imposition of President's Rule in the state.

Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Eknath Khadse called on Governor C Vidyasagar Rao this afternoon and handed him a letter seeking immediate sacking of the Prithviraj Chavan government.

"Khadse met the Governor and handed him the letter seeking dismissal of the government as it has been reduced to a minority and sought the state to be brought under Central rule," party sources said.

Raj Bhavan sources confirmed the development.

Deputy Chief Minister and leader of NCP legislature party Ajit Pawar had called on the Governor last night and handed him a letter withdrawing support to the government soon after announcing a split in the Congress-NCP alliance which has ruled the state for the last 15 years.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan also met Rao and apprised him of the political developments.

"It was a routine, courtesy call. Chavan apprised the Governor of political developments. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes," an official at the Chief Minister's Office said.

"In the present circumstances when the Assembly poll process is on and voting is slated for October 15, the Governor can either tell Chief Minister Chavan to resign and continue in caretaker capacity or recommend President's Rule," the official said.

He, however, said no communication has been received from Raj Bhavan asking him to continue as caretaker Chief Minister.