In what could possibly bring friends-turn-foes, Shiv Sena and BJP, together, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that both the parties feel that they should govern the state jointly.
Fadnavis said that since the Shiv Sena is part of NDA at Centre, it should also be a part of Maharashtra government.
“Both the parties have this feeling that they should run the government in Maharashtra together,” said Fadnavis.
He also added that he had a talk with Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray recently and further discussions on alliance with the party will begin from Friday. During the discussions, senior BJP leaders Devendra Pradhan and Chandrakant Patil will hold talks with Sena leaders “We are hopeful of a positive decision soon,” he said.
According to some sources, under the informal agreement between BJP chief Amit Shah and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis may include around 10 Sena leaders in his government, with at least four of Cabinet rank.
Moreover, the Sena, which was earlier persistent on deputy chief minister post, has given up its demand, but is likely to get the Home portfolio. The other portfolios which the Sena is likely to get are Power, PWD, Health and Rural Development.
In the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, the BJP has 121 MLAs, while the Shiv Sena is the second largest party with 63 legislators.
