Maharashtra: Congress-NCP mock coming together of Shiv Sena and BJP

Mumbai, Dec 4: Reacting to the patch-up between the estranged allies Shiv Sena and BJP, the opposition NCP today called it a mockery of democracy and said mere numbers would not ensure stability of the BJP-led government.

"The kind of words used against each other by leaders of both the parties in the last one month was for everyone to see. This is nothing but a mockery of democracy. For the first time in the state's history, the main, 63-MLA-stong opposition party has walked over to the treasury benches within a month of new government taking over," said state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this morning that Sena was joining the government. Tatkare said while Sena leader Eknath Shinde was touring the state as the leader of opposition in the Assembly, the top leaders of two parties were negotiating a power sharing deal.

"With 122 of BJP and 63 of Shiv Sena, the government looks stable...in the 288-member house, but with the experience of past one month, it remains to be seen how things work out between the two saffron allies and whether the new government is beneficial for the people," he added.

Congress said that Sena leaders won't have their pride intact and heads high while taking the oath as ministers tomorrow. State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said coming together of Sena and BJP will lead to unstable government.

PTI