Cong-NCP Deadlock over Sharing of Portfolios Continues

Congress-NCP deadlock over distribution of portfolios continues to defer the installation of government in Maharashtra more than ten days after the ruling coalition was voted back to power in the Assembly elections.

Reports said that Congress leadership is resolute on its stand to get the Home department while Sharad Power’s NCP is unwilling and unyielding to part with the key ministry.

It should be noted that in addition to Home, the Congress insists on Power, Finance or Rural Development.

Earlier, the Congress wanted to get all these four portfolios but later softening its stand said it would at least get two.

Besides, congress party has set its eyes on Assembly Speaker’s post and declined to abide by the 1999 formula of equal sharing of portfolios.

“The formula is not sacrosanct. The NCP itself deviated from it in 2004 and now the situation has changed. Congress will be the bigger partner and the party’s strength of 82 seats should be reflected in the ministry formation as well,” a senior Congress leader said.

Yesterday’s meeting between Congress and NCP state leadership ended without any decision.

MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre said that NCP leaders had conveyed to him that their internal discussions on the issue had not been completed.

Reports said that 22:20 formula for portfolio sharing is being worked out.

The ruling combine has time till Tuesday for the new government to be sworn-in.

The term of the outgoing Legislative Assembly expires on Tuesday and the opposition Shiv Sena-BJP has demanded imposition of President’s Rule in the state if the new government is not in place.