BJP Exploring Options To Woo Shiv Sena In Maharashtra

BJP Exploring Options To Woo Shiv Sena In Maharashtra

New Delhi: Putting speculations to rest, the BJP gave out a strong message to its ally Shiv Sena by appointing Devendra Fadnavis as the leader of BJP's legislature party on Wednesday. 

Shiv Sena has been quite vocal in demanding the post of Chief Minister in the Maharashtra assembly, a post that was held by Fadnavis for last five years. 

The BJP legislature party met in Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon, a day after Fadnavis asserted his claim on the chief minister's post for the next five years. He quickly added that the  mandate is for "grand alliance" of Sena-BJP and the two will form the government -- but did not give any more details.
 
But Tuesday was marked with day-long exchange of rhetoric and counter-rhetoric between the two parties. First, Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged the BJP was "stooping low". Then Fadnavis issued a statement rejecting Sena's claim of 50-50 formula, which they have been adamant about.

Later in the evening, Sena cancelled its meeting with the BJP leadership, including close aide of Amit Shah, Bhupendra Yadav, to sort out their differences.

Speculations are still being made as to what will BJP offer Shiv Sena in the new government. One option, according to experts is to pacify Shiv Sena by increasing it's share in the State and the Centre. Giving two ministerial posts in the Union cabinet to Sena is being actively explored. 

Another offer being considered by the BJP is to give the Deputy Chief Minister's post in the state to Sena. A state party leader told IANS requesting anonymity that the BJP knew they would have to offer a Deputy CM's post to Sena, when the BJP tally couldn't cross 120, as predicted by the party. 

As much as 40% share in the state cabinet is also likely to be offered by BJP to its warring partner, who is leaving no stone unturned, including using editorials in its mouthpiece Saamna, to target BJP. sharing of the Chief Minister's post, come what may.

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