Uddhav says he doesn't want to break alliance with BJP

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Thursday that he does not intend to end the alliance with the BJP but only wants implementation of what was agreed upon between the two parties before the Lok Sabha polls.

Significantly, after the Sena MLAs authorised him to take "final decision" on government formation in Maharashtra at a meeting at his residence 'Matoshree', all the legislators were shifted to a nearby hotel in suburban Bandra.

The move indicated that the party feared attempts to poach its legislators amid the ongoing tussle with the BJP.

"It is necessary for all the MLAs to be together in the prevailing situation. Whatever decision Uddhavji takes will be binding on all of us," Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu said after the meeting.

During the meeting that lasted for more than an hour, the legislators reiterated that the formula of "equal sharing of posts and responsibilities" agreed upon before the Lok Sabha polls should be implemented.

The Sena appeared firm on its demand that the chief minister's post should be shared by the two allies for two- and-a-half years each.

"Sena MLAs passed a resolution authorising Uddhavji to take a final decision regarding government formation," MLA Shambhuraje Desai told reporters.

Abdul Sattar, another Sena MLA, said, "The next chief minister will be from the Shiv Sena."