Speaking to reporters after releasing the party manifesto for the general elections, SP candidate and criminal lawyer Majid Memon, criticised Alexander saying, ``The Chief Minister himself chose to dissolve the Assembly and once the house is dissolved, MLAs cease to be people's representatives. How can a government run in such a situation? Moreover, the Rane government is not a caretaker government as it is enjoying full powers of a regular government. How did his Excellency let this happen? "He added, "With all due respect to him, I think, the governor should have held the government by ear and restrict its functioning.''

He also accused the media of not objecting to the functioning of such a government. He said the government was operating in an extra-constitutional manner and that theShiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance should realise its mistake.

Earlier, SP Mumbai unit chief Abu Asim Azmi released the party's manifesto and announced a better government catering to the needs of Muslims, other minorities and Dalits in Maharashtra. ``Muslim women will be given their share proportionately in the Government. Laws will be amended to ensure proportionate representation of the minorities in the Parliament, state Assemblies, Councils and in employment,'' the manifesto says.

The document also says the police manual code will be changed so as to make the police true public servants. The Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act will be abolished and prisoners presently behind bars under TADA will be released on bail, promises the manifesto.

Azmi also released a list of 26 questions to be answered by Chief Minister Rane which includes queries on Sena-BJP government's failure in providing jobs to youths in the state, the flop free housing scheme for slumdwellers and the deal withEnron Corporation.