As the BJP continues to test its patience, the Shiv Sena is apparently giving up hope. With no breakthrough in its talks with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over participation in the new Maharashtra government, the Shiv Sena leadership on Wednesday decided to wait one more day for a positive response from the BJP.
The Sena leadership held a two-hour long meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss the party’s future strategy.
“We have informed Uddhavji about the proceedings so far. Any decision on supporting the BJP or participating in a new government will be taken in a day’s time,” said Sena spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut.
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The Sena has already submitted its proposal seeking 13 ministerial berths and Deputy Chief Minister’s post. However, the BJP leadership has not yet responded.
It won’t be easy for the Sena to entirely snap ties with the BJP as it runs the cash-rich Mumbai and several other municipalities in Maharashtra with the support of the latter. At a juncture when it has lost all bargaining power with the BJP, it could ill-afford rash decisions.
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On Tuesday, after the newly elected legislators of the BJP elected Devendra Fadnavis as their leader, paving the way for him to become the Chief Minister, BJP’s in-charge in Maharashtra J.P. Nadda had said his party’s desire was that the Sena should be part of the new government. Technically both parties are on the same page on the role in the government, but the hitch is the terms. The BJP wants the Sena to extend blanket support and leave other aspects to it.
But the Sena is not willing to play ball.