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Shiv Sena backs down on urgent hearing against Guv today, says ‘will wait’ for letters of support

The Shiv Sena had requested for a three-day extension for submitting ‘requisite’ letters of support from other political parties, which the Governor rejected.

Shiv Sena backs down on urgent hearing against Guv today, says ‘will wait’ for letters of support

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. (Photo: IANS)

A day after seeking urgent hearing challenging Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s refusal to grant extra time for getting letters of support for government formation in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday decided to back down on its plea in the Supreme Court.

Shiv Sena said that it will not press for an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court today and added that they will file a new plea only after the party has numbers to prove their ability to form government in the state.

Advocate Sunil Fernandes, who had filed the petition on behalf of the Shiv Sena, said on Tuesday that the Supreme Court had asked them to mention the writ petition at 10:30 am on Wednesday.

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The Shiv Sena had requested for a three-day extension for submitting ‘requisite’ letters of support from other political parties, which the Governor rejected.

According to reports, the Shiv Sena had sought a hearing in the case on Tuesday itself claiming that the “Governor wrongfully declined to give it three days.”

Congress leader Kapil Sibal will be representing Shiv Sena in the apex court. Uddhav Thackeray had reportedly spoken to Kapil Sibal and Ahmed Patel over the issue earlier.

Sena leaders including party MP Sanjay Raut had pointed that the Governor had given the BJP, the single largest party, three days to indicate its willingness to stake claim and prove its numbers.

Meanwhile, the backing down comes as the Congress and the NCP are still not decided on extending their support to the Sena in the state.

Multiple political engagements were held in the last few days in Maharashtra as well as in New Delhi. However, the three parties could not reach on a consensus following which the Governor on Tuesday afternoon recommended President’s Rule in the state.

Meanwhile, the Sena is hoping to form a stable government with the support of the Congress and NCP.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had said that the party “will find a way to work together” with the NCP and the Congress.

Meanwhile, allies Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have been holding discussions to finalise the power-sharing formula in a Shiv Sena-led government.

Both the parties are reportedly eyeing some top posts including Chief Minister, the Assembly Speaker and the Chairman of the Legislative Council, which have a key role during a coalition government.

The NCP and the Congress on Tuesday indicated that they were not in a hurry to form a non-BJP government in Maharashtra as they have to sort out issues among themselves and their allies before extending support to Shiv Sena.

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