Eight days have passed since the Maharashtra assembly election results, yet the question of who will be the Chief Minister remains unresolved. This uncertainty has provided the opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi, an opportunity to criticize the Mahayuti alliance. Commenting on Saturday, Sharad Pawar stated that there is a lack of respect for the people's mandate, which is concerning.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar told news agency ANI, 'Interestingly, despite a clear majority, a government has not formed yet. This implies that the mandate given by the people holds no significance for them (Mahayuti). This is not good for the state. Recent elections have left people feeling restless and discontented.'
If This Continues, Democracy Will Collapse: Pawar
Pawar accused the misuse of power and money in Maharashtra elections, escalating public discontent. He said, 'A people's movement must be mobilized to address this. It appears the parliamentary system could collapse. When opposition leaders raise these issues in parliament, they are silenced. Every day at 11:00 AM, opposition leaders approach parliament, demanding to speak on their issues. But their pleas are ignored. Now the public must initiate a movement.'
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Notably, social activist Baba Adhav has launched an anti-EVM (Electronic Voting Machines) movement in Pune, claiming fraud in its election use. The 90-year-old initiated his three-day protest on November 28 at the abode of renowned reformer Jyotiba Phule, known as Phule Wada. On the final protest day, Saturday, Sharad Pawar visited him, asserting to the media, 'We can't believe the Election Commission would play such a detrimental role. We never doubted this institution during elections. However, there seems to be some truth in the post-election claims.'
The Public Must Initiate a Movement: Pawar
Pawar emphasized, 'Those in power are indifferent to these concerns. This is a national issue. There is no opportunity for discussion on opposition issues in parliament, indicating a lack of adherence to parliamentary democracy. If things continue this way, it is worrisome, and it's time to engage with the public. The public needs to be enlightened. Truth be told, the public is aware, and that's why they should start a movement. The movement initiated by Baba Adhav today stands testament to this. I am confident that, if not today, the movement will yield results eventually.'
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Why is Maharashtra Government Formation Delayed?
The Mahayuti alliance clinched a sweeping victory with 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly elections held on November 20, 2024, reducing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition to just 48 seats. Within the Mahayuti, BJP secured 132, Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41 seats. Meanwhile, in the MVA, Shiv Sena UBT secured 20, Congress 16, NCP (SP) 10, and SP 2 seats. The remaining 10 seats went to smaller parties and independents. Currently, meetings between BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are ongoing in the quest to form the government. Consensus over the Chief Minister and cabinet is awaited, with no set date for the swearing-in ceremony yet.
