BJP eyeing upon respectable compromise with Shiv Sena

Asserting that his party is in favour of an alliance with the Shiv Sena for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Friday said that the saffron party is looking for a formula which is acceptable to both sides with dignity and prestige.

"Maharashtra BJP leaders Sudhir Mungantiwar and Eknath Khadse have specifically told you that we are in favour of a respectable compromise. The BJP wants an alliance. We want to fight elections together with our 25 year-old friend but we hope that this compromise is respectable," said Rudy.

Refusing to comment on the issue of seat sharing, Rudy added, "We didn't say that we don't want an alliance but we are looking for a formula and an understanding which is comfortable to both the sides and with dignity and prestige."

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi commenting on the ongoing tussle said that the party's Maharashtra unit is working to sort out the problem and hopefully the Shiv Sena will also understand the reality and a respectable pragmatic solution will be reached soon.

Earlier today, Mungantiwar said that his party's Core Committee has decided that the 25 year-old alliance between the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance should remain intact.

"There are 59 seats that the Sena has never won in the last 25 years and hence they should consider offering these seats to the grand alliance rather than conceding them to the opposition. The fresh seat sharing proposal will be made keeping in mind these points adding that the figure of 119 seats that the Sena is currently offering will not be accepted," he added.

Mungantiwar also said that both parties should maintain their self-respect and also keep in mind the hopes and aspirations that the people of Maharashtra expect from the BJP - Shiv Sena alliance.