(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna says Shiv Sena is ready to support BJPs CM choice Fadnavis in Maharashtra.
The Shiv Sena finally relented on Monday and extended support to the BJP in government formation in Maharashtra adding that it would support the official BJP nominee for the chief minister’s post.
An editorial in Saamna the Sena mouthpiece declared that the party was willing to back Devendra Fadnavis (most likely to be declared the new chief minister) or Nitin Gadkari who was also said to be in the race for the top post.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah will decide on the new chief minister” said the Sena newspaper. “And the Shiv Sena will support him for the progress of Maharashtra.”
The two Hindutva parties who have been allies for more than two decades parted company just days before elections to the Maharashtra assembly earlier this month. The BJP however won 123 seats in the 288-seat state assembly (about 22 short of a simple majority) and the Shiv Sena came second winning 63 seats.
Despite the stunning victory of the two parties both remained non-communicative refusing to discuss government formation. The Sena however suffered a jolt when the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) offered unconditional support to a BJP government.
Even last week the Sena continued to criticise the BJP and its top leaders. However the BJP refused to seek the help of the Sena in forming a government. While there was speculation that the Sena would demand the post of deputy chief minister and some powerful portfolios talks did not take off.
On Sunday Sena MPs — and its lone member in the union cabinet Anant Geete — attended the reception held by Modi for lawmakers from the National Democratic Alliance (which includes the Shiv Sena) in Delhi. But there were no talks between the leaders of the two parties.
Despite the BJP and the Sena parting ways before the assembly elections in Maharashtra Geete continues to be part of the Modi-led government. The BJP also extends support to the Sena in the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The state legislative party of the BJP will be meeting here on Tuesday to elect the new chief minister. Central observers including Rajnath Singh the home minister and J.P. Nadda will be attending the meet. The swearing ceremony is expected to be held at the Wankhede stadium on Thursday.
Meanwhile the death of a BJP MLA Govind Rathod on Sunday following a heart attack has reduced the party’s strength to 121. The BJP claims it also has the support of about 15 legislators from smaller parties and independents.
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