Shiv Sena may not join BJP government, says Rudy

Fadnavis' swearing-in ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah

The BJP Thursday said it was unlikely that former ally Shiv Sena will join the party's first government in Maharashtra, but talks were still on.

"Talks with Shiv Sena going on very amicably. No outcome yet. Seems unlikely Shiv Sena will be part of government as of now," Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy said in a tweet Thursday.

Despite sending positive feelers, the Shiv Sena, on its part, remains undecided on the issue amid speculation of differences over the number of ministries it would be given by the BJP.

The party will make its final stand clear after a high-level meeting to be presided over by party chief Uddhav Thackeray later Thursday.

In a related development, the Nationalist Congress Party - which has offered 'unconditional external support' to the BJP - lashed out at the BJP for the mega swearing-in ceremony planned for Friday.

"BJP a party with a difference, hence the most lavish oath-taking ceremony in the history of Maharashtra," NCP state spokesperson Nawab Malik said in a tweet.

The NCP has already announced it will abstain during the vote of confidence of the new government to be headed by Devendra Fadnavis within 15 days.

Meanwhile, hectic last-minute details were being worked out for the swearing-in of Fadnavis and a small team of ministers by Governor C.V. Rao at the Wankhede Stadium Friday afternoon.

The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, union ministers, party leaders, chief ministers, film personalities, businessmen, sportspersons and other celebrities.