An exasperated Shiv Sena, kept on tenterhooks by the BJP over its participation in the Maharashtra government, is believed to have come up with a formal proposal on Tuesday seeking 13 berths and the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
However, it is clear that the BJP is in no hurry to negotiate the terms, as it had made plain several times that it wants Sena on board but without any conditions. The wait-and-watch approach of the BJP was evident when it not only chose its leader but also went ahead with fixing the date for the swearing-in ceremony.
Responding to the developments, the Sena leaders merely said that they had not yet heard from the BJP on its proposal.
“Our discussions are in progress. Our president Uddhav Thackeray will take a final decision after we receive reply from the BJP,” said Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe.
J. P. Nadda, BJP in-charge of Maharashtra, hinted that the party may involve the Sena in the new government. “We want to take the Shiv Sena on board. But since this is delaying things, without wasting time we would have a small Council of Ministers. Talks will be on. And good results are expected soon,” Mr. Nadda said.
Senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde said developments in the next 48 hours would decide if the Shiv Sena MLAs would be present at the oath-taking ceremony on October 31.
