Weeks after the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections were announced, the swearing-in ceremony for the next Chief Minister is scheduled for December 5, according to reports.
The delay in forming the government has provided the opposition with an opportunity to criticize the Mahayuti alliance, which secured a massive victory in the Assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats in Maharashtra.
Former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray criticised the BJP, caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Election Commission of India for the delay in government formation.
In a post on X, Aaditya stated, “To not be able to decide on a Chief Minister and form a government more than a week after the results is not just an insult to Maharashtra (for taking our state so lightly) but also to the assistance provided by their dearest Election Commission. It seems that rules only apply to opposition parties, while some special ones are exempt.”
Criticizing the BJP for announcing the swearing-in date without staking a claim to form the government, Aaditya said, “To declare the swearing-in date unilaterally, without even staking claim to form the government and proving the numbers to the Hon’ble Governor, is pure anarchy.”
Launching a scathing attack on Eknath Shinde, Aaditya remarked, “And amidst all this, the caretaker CM is on a mini vacation, dictated by the phases of the moon, as we’ve seen regularly before. Meanwhile, Maharashtra seems to be no priority for those who could form the government—they are busy enjoying their Delhi trips.”
Hinting at President’s Rule in the state, he added, “President’s Rule? Shouldn’t it have been in place by now? Wouldn’t it have been imposed if the opposition had the numbers, with the decision still pending?”
Aaditya said, “Anyway, our congratulations to whoever will eventually be sworn in, thanks to the mandate of the ECI.”
