New Delhi/Mumbai: Uncertainty over whether or not former allies Shiv Sena and BJP would join hands to govern Maharashtra continued even as the Sena decided to boycott the swearing in of the BJP’s first chief minister in Maharashtra because of “constant humiliation” despite claims of talks being held for a possible tie-up.
The Sena’s tough posturing came after BJP general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy said no Sena leader would be inducted on Friday, when Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as the new CM of Maharashtra.
There were indications from the Sena camp that its top brass has started chalking out strategy to sit in the Opposition as the names of its leaders, including Eknath Shinde, Ravindra Waikar, Gulabrao Patil and Vijay Shivtare, started doing the rounds for the post of Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.
Mr Fadnavis on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and senior leaders, including Nitin Gadkari, to personally invite them to the “grand ceremony” at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday.
Mr Fadnavis also personally invited Mr Uddhav Thackeray and his wife. The BJP has also sent invitations to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former CM Prithviraj Chavan and other top politicians.
“It seems unlikely that any Shiv Sena minister will be sworn in tomorrow. Talks with the Sena are on in an amicable atmosphere for a possible tie-up in Maharashtra but there has been no outcome yet,” said BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
He also said that though the BJP was looking forward to a decision soon, it “may not happen tomorrow”.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray will also remain absent from the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP government. Mr Fadnavis invited him over the phone.
