SCOOP: Internal tussle within Shiv Sena, one camp supports Maha govt-formation with BJP

Amid political crisis in Maharashtra, sources informed Republic TV that there have been two camps in Shiv Sena. While a faction is still expecting to form government with Mahayuti alliance partner BJP, another faction is of opinion that Sena should form the government irrespective of any party it allies with. In light of the chaos in Sena, its chief has called for a meeting on Friday to seek clarity on what the MLAs actually want, sources said.

READ: Maharashtra: 'Waiting for Shiv Sena to officially quit NDA', says NCP

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut at the other side met NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday and said that Sena will form government in Maharashtra. Sources said that some MLAs are insisting to form government with BJP if it agrees to 50-50 formula. Sources also added that the Friday meeting is going to be crucial for Shiv Sena. 

READ: Sanjay Raut: Maharashtra will get a stable govt led by Shiv Sena soon

Sharad Pawar meets Sonia Gandhi

Even as Maharashtra remains under President's rule, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi but said that government formation was not discussed. However, he said that he has apprised Sonia Gandhi about the current developments in the state. Denying the talks on the next government formation, Pawar said that his party only recieved 54 seats, then why should he talk about government formation. When asked about meeting Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, Pawar laughed and said that he can meet Raut any day in the Parliament. Earlier in the day, Pawar while speaking to media reportedly said: "Really?" He said, "What talks? Talks regarding what? There are no talks now. BJP-Sena is separate, NCP-Congress is different. How can you say this? They have to pave their path, and we have to pave ours." 

READ: Shiv Sena equates 'ungrateful' BJP with Muhammad Ghori's 'treachery'

Political crisis in Maharashtra 

After the assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance partners - BJP and Shiv Sena had a fallout over the chief minister's position in the state. Uddhav Thackray led Shiv Sena said that the chief minister's position should be equally divided between the parties as per the 50:50 formula. However, BJP leader and former CM Devendra Fadnavis denied any such formula.  Both parties are now eyeing to form the next government separately in Maharashtra -which is currently under President's rule. While the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress is still in talks to finalise the Common minimum programme to form an alliance, the BJP has vowed that it will form the next government. The Mahayuti alliance swept Maharashtra on October 24, winning a combined tally of 161 (BJP- 105, Sena -56).

READ: Cong-NCP meet to discuss alliance with Sena postponed