Sena softens stand; Fadnavis says saffron alliance govt soon

Amid indication of softening of stand by the Shiv Sena over its demands, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the saffron alliance will "soon" form the government, an assertion that comes after days of tough talk by the allies on power-sharing.

The two other major political players, the Congress and the NCP, clearly said they will sit in opposition, nixing any chances of a non-BJP government coming to power in the state, where contours of the next dispensation remain hazy even a week after announcement of assembly poll results.

The day started with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis being re-elected the state BJP legislature party leader.

In an apparent climbdown, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said it is necessary for the party to stay in the BJP-led alliance in the larger interest of Maharashtra, but without compromising on "respect".

"Individuals are not important but state's interest is important. Decisions need to be taken in a calm manner and keeping in mind the state's interest," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has been aggressively pushing for rotational chief ministership and 50:50 power- sharing formula, demands rejected by the BJP.

Raut said his party only wants implementation of what was decided between the two allies before the October 21 assembly polls.

To a question on whether the Shiv Sena was adamant on implementing the 50:50 formula (equal share in power), Raut said, "You (the media) are saying this. We only want things to be done according to what has been decided earlier."
About re-election of Fadnavis as leader of the BJP legislature party, Raut said, "Those who have support of 145 MLAs (in a house of 288) will be the chief minister and it is our duty to welcome him."
Asked about reports that the BJP has offered deputy chief minister's post and 13 portfolios to the Sena, Raut evaded a direct reply and said "We are not sitting with account books."