Senior BJP functionary and leader of opposition in legislative council Vinod Tawade questioned the veracity of such reports and said it would not impact the BJP.
Raut reportedly said the Shiv Sena intended to contest 20 of 80 seats in the crucial north Indian state, including Varanasi, Lucknow and other seats from where prominent BJP leaders are contesting.
Thackeray later tweeted, rubbishing the media reports and declaring that the Shiv Sena would not put up candidates in Varanasi or Lucknow.
