Long-term allies BJP and Shiv Sena won a majority together in last month's Maharashtra elections
After a day of rapid developments, the Maharashtra Governor rejected Shiv Sena's request for a three-day extension to submit the letters of support. A delegation of Shiv Sena led by Aaditya Thackeray met the governor and expressed their willingness to form government in the state.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which ditched the BJP's offer of playing second-fiddle in the state, depends on the support of the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party to form government. The Congress, however, remains non-committal. "The Congress president has spoken to Sharad Pawar. The party will have further discussions with NCP," the party said in a statement.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's top decision-making body, has authorized party president Sonia Gandhi to take the final call
Later, Uddhav Thackeray spoke on the phone with Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi to discuss government formation. Mr Thackeray also met with Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar at a five-star hotel in Mumbai.
The NCP chief held a core group meeting in Mumbai today, over the current political situation in the state. The BJP on Sunday declined to form government in the state as it did not have the numbers. The state Governor then invited Shiv Sena, the second largest party, to stake claim.
The BJP and the Sena, long-term allies for around 30 years, won a majority together in last month's Maharashtra elections. The BJP won 105 seats and the Sena 56, which placed them comfortably ahead of the majority mark of 145 in the 288-member assembly. However, the Sena demanded a guarantee, in writing, that it would have the chief minister's post for half the term and an equal share in ministries, in what it called a "50:50" deal discussed with BJP chief Amit Shah. As Devendra Fadnavis denied any such deal, the Sena's attacks on the BJP became more and more vitriolic.
Here are the LIVE Updates of government formation in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra Governor Has Called Us, Says Nationalist Congress Party NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik says his party have been asked to show numbers
"We have been called by the Governor, a delegation of our party is meeting him now. We've been called to form the govt. As per the letter given by the Governor we'll hold discussions with Congress and see how a stable government can be provided to the state"
"We will get the letter today and make a final decision by tomorrow after holding discussions with our ally Congress"
Told Maharashtra Governor Of Willing To Form Government, Says Aaditya Thackeray"We informed the governor of our (to form government in Maharashtra). I believe today, Maharashtra needs a stable government which Shiv Sena will provide," says Aaditya Thackeray
Congress Keeps Shiv Sena Waiting Amid Maharashtra TurmoilCongress remains non-committal on support to Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. The party issued a statement saying "Will have further discussion"
Shiv Sena Leaders Meet Maharashtra Governor - A Shiv Sena delegation led by Aaditya Thackeray met with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari
- Shiv Sena is likely to ask Governor for 24-hour extension on deadline to stake claim, sources say.
- The Shiv Sena had until 7:30 pm to express willingness to form government
Bacchu Kadu, 2 Other Independent MLAs Outside Raj Bhavan Mumbai"Three of us (independent MLAs) have come here. Whosoever Uddhav Sahab will decide, will be the Chief Minister," says Bacchu Kadu outside Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
Sanjay Raut Complains Of Chest Pain, Admitted To HospitalShiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut was on Monday admitted to Lilavati Hospital after he complained of chest pain
"Sanjay Raut is being treated by Dr Jaleel Parkar," a hospital official said.
Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray meets NCP chief Sharad Pawar
Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray met NCP chief Sharad Pawar here on Monday and is learnt to have requested the latter to extend his party's support in forming government, say sources
Arvind Sawant's Resignation Letter
BJP went back from their pre-election promises: Arvind Sawant
Shiv Sena Union Minister Arvind Sawant shows resignation letter at press conference
BJP did not honour 50-50 formula, our alliance has broken: Arvind Sawant
Meeting between Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar underway.
Senior leader Nawab Malik addresses media after NCP leaders meeting concludes 
"We held a meeting to discuss the situation in the state. We are waiting for the CWC meeting of the Congress party to get over. A decision on this matter will be made after discussion with them," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said.
Senior Congress leaders will meet again at 4 p.m. today: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress leader Sanjay Jha on the ongoing developments
Shiv Sena to work towards a Common Minimum Programme with NCP, Congress: Sanjay Raut
"Sharad Pawar and Congress want that we should form the government which should run on a common minimum programme (CMP). There is a need for it today. We are working towards it," Mr Raut told reporters.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut reaches the Thackeray family residence
Decision on government formation will be taken only after discussions with Congress: Sharad PawarNationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said his party will take a decision pertaining to government formation in Maharashtra only after holding discussions with Congress.
BJP core group meeting at Varsha, Devendra Fadnavis's residence at 11.30 am today
Congress leader Sanjay Jha takes a dig at the BJP
Congress leaders at Sonia Gandhi's residence
Sharad Pawar on Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant's resignation as Union Minister
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut at a press meet in Mumbai 
The BJP does not want to share the post of chief minister with the Sena. What kind of relationship can we share with them (BJP) if they are not willing to honour the 50-50 deal that was agreed upon before the elections: Sanjat Raut
It would have been easy if Governor had given us more time. BJP was given 72 hours, we've been given lesser time. It's a strategy of BJP to impose President's rule in state, Mr Raut added.
CWC meeting at Sonia Gandhi's residence todayCongress has called a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting today at Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi's residence in Delhi, over the political situation in Maharashtra.
Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that the meeting will be held at 10 am today. "Today there is a meeting at 10:00 am then we will do whatever the high command will suggest. Our original stand is that we will sit in the opposition as people gave us mandate to sit in the opposition and we will do the same," he said.
Senior Maharashtra Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on the prevalent political instability in Maharashtra
BJP core group meeting to be held today at the residence of Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
NCP has called for a meeting today at 10 am at YB Chauhan Center. Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil to be present.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Maharashtra government formation
There's a meeting at 10 am today. We will proceed according to instruction from high command. But our original decision & decision of the people is that we should sit in opposition, that is the present position, says Mallikarjun Kharge