Sena-BJP close to sealing a deal in Maharashtra; talks to continue today

CM Fadnavis said that the decision was pending on one or two issues with the Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena today said talks with BJP over power sharing will continue today amid indications that the two estranged allies were close to sealing a deal after a month long stand-off over ministerial berths.

"Talks between BJP and Sena leaders will continue today. We discussed several things last night," senior Sena leader Subhash Desai who held talks with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last night told PTI.

Desai declined to disclose the time and venue of the parleys today.

There were reports that the Shiv Sena which had been demanding the post of the deputy chief minister and crucial Home Ministry, had toned down the demand and was ready to settle for other ministerial posts but nobody from either side confirmed the same.

The meeting between senior leaders of the two parties was held at Varsha, the official residence of Chief Minister.

"The discussions are in final phase and were held in a positive manner. Decision is pending on one or two issues with Shiv Sena," Fadnavis said after the last night's meeting.

"We are moving in the right direction. We can say that 70-80% talks have been completed where both the parties agreed. Some issues are left which we are still discussing," he had said yesterday.

"The talks have almost reached a positive conclusion barring one ministry, which the BJP is not ready to give us," a Sena leader had said last night on condition of anonymity without specifying the ministry in question.