As Shiv Sena and BJP work out government formation in Maharashtra, both the parties are flexing muscles over the chief ministerial post. Shiv Sena is insisting on a 50:50 formula while BJP looks disinclined for anyone other than Devendra Fadnavis for the CM office.
Now BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao has made it clear that Mahrashtra will soon get a 'BJP-led state government'. He asserted that BJP has emerged as a single largest party 'by a wide margin'.
"With this public support, Maharashtra will soon get a BJP-led state government that will last a full five term and fulfil people's aspirations. Maharashtra results are an endorsement of public support for a BJP-led government," he told PTI.
Asked about Sena's demand for an equal division of power with many of its leaders seeking the post of chief minister for the party, Rao said the BJP leadership has taken note of their statements and will respond to them appropriately.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is from the BJP, and Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote on Monday met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari separately amid the ongoing tussle between the ruling alliance partners over forming the next state government.
In the polls to the 288-member assembly, the BJP won 105 seats, a loss of 17 seats compared to 2014, while the Sena's tally also came down to 56 seats from 63. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP won 54 and the Congress bagged 44 seats.
Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray reminded the BJP of the 50:50 formula "agreed upon" between himself, BJP president Amit Shah and Fadnavis ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Many Sena leaders have suggested that the BJP should share the post of chief minister with their party on a rotational basis, a demand unlikely to be conceded by the senior partner.
(With PTI inputs)
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