Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday alleged that the Election Commission's Maharashtra poll schedule, which gives only 48 hours for government formation, is the BJP's ploy to ensure the MVA is unable to stake a claim.

The current assembly's term ends on November 26. The state will go to polls on November 20, and the votes will be counted on November 23.

Speaking to reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP alleged, "The BJP with Amit Shah seems to have accepted that the party would not win the Maharashtra assembly polls. There appears to be a strategy to limit the time available for the Maha Vikas Aghadi to discuss and decide about government formation. If the MVA constituents fail to stake a claim, the governor will recommend the President's Rule for six months." He claimed the BJP was taking proactive steps to keep the MVA from returning to power.

"Additionally, the ECI has scheduled the polls in such a way that it restricts the MVA's opportunity to form a government effectively," he said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also pointed out that the counting will take place on November 23, which means the MVA partners — Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, NCP (SP) and other small parties will have only 48 hours for government formation, and this was unfair.

He alleged, "The ECI's actions are like that of a BJP spokesperson. It supports the EVM but conveniently keeps mum when we speak about the alleged tampering of these machines in the Haryana state elections. The commission has not taken any action on complaints about the misuse of money during the Lok Sabha elections." Raut further claimed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde decided to distribute Rs 15 crore in some 200 assembly constituencies just before the state polls were announced, and it was the government's money.

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