India has been battling an economic slowdown and the political stalemate is a setback for Mumbai, which is home to business tycoons, the stockmarket and the glitzy Bollywood film industry. The move is also a blow for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which was expected to remain in control of India's richest state after winning the most seats at last month's polls. "President Ram Nath Kovind signs proclamation imposing President's rule in Maharashtra," the Press Trust of India reported, citing officials. The state was ruled by the BJP and its right-wing regional ally Shiv Sena ahead of the elections. Under India's constitution, New Delhi can take direct control of a state in the absence of a local government and after obtaining consent from the president.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 13, 2019 10:13 UTC