According to the sources in BJP told that it is willing to offer 14 cabinet berths to ShivSena, whereas the Shivsena is demanding 18
Mumbai: The BJP and Shivsena seem to be inching towards an agreement after the war of words. Sources said that a compromise formula for government formation is being worked out between the saffron allies.
According to the sources in BJP told that it is willing to offer 14 cabinet berths to ShivSena, whereas the Shivsena is demanding 18. Sena is also demanding plum portfolios, even when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has firmly said he will not give up the important Home and Urban Development portfolios. Meanwhile, the BJP is considering the proposal of giving away other important portfolios like Revenue and Finance or Complete PWD to ShivSena. However, a section of senior leaders is against giving away these portfolios.
The current sources said that the statement, within hours of the Sena criticizing the central government over a European Union delegation’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, was brought about by an ultimatum from the BJP. The saffron party had reportedly refused to proceed with negotiations until the ShivSena mellowed its critical stance.
Officially talks are yet to begin, BJP says the party may offer 13 portfolios to its ally, but the Revenue and Urban Development Department, as demanded by the Sena, won’t be considered. Sources also said, in fact, that the BJP is unlikely to part with any major ministry.
Despite no deal in sight, the BJP is confident of a breakthrough in the deadlock by the end of this week. The party has even started preparations for a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Wankhede stadium likely to be held on November 4 or 5
“We will go to the Governor together to give the letter of majority,” BJP sources said.
The BJP has won 105 in the 288-seat Maharashtra assembly, a loss of 17 seats compared to its 2014 tally. The Sena’s tally also came down to 56 seats from 63 in 2014. Whereas NCP won 54 and the Congress bagged 44 seats.
Reacting to it Sanjay Raut said options are open to the ShivSena as well.
Sanjay Raut said “I don’t know where this 13-26 formula came from. It should be declared a crime to put out such figures. Options are open for us as well, but we don’t want to reveal them right now. ShivSena is not a kid party, in politics options are always open for each party,”.
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