BJP, finally, joins hands with Shiv Sena for self-government polls

After much-squabbling, the BJP and Shiv Sena have decided, in principle, to contest local self-government polls in the 212 smaller cities and towns in the 25 districts.

Sources said the arrangement that was announced yesterday wasn't applicable to all towns because of local politics. "The alliance will be certain in places where both parties are weak and need each other, but in places where there will be a clash over current strength in the Assembly, Lok Sabha or respective civic council, the equations may change," said a senior BJP leader.

The ruling partners have not declared alliance in the 12 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nagpur. A decision on that will be taken once these polls are scheduled by the State Election Commission in a month's time.

Speculation was rife about the partners after leaders from both parties made statements, citing their individual party strengths and difference of opinion. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had also challenged the BJP to go solo. On the other hand, BJP's senior leaders such as CM Devendra Fadnavis maintained that it would agree to a pact if the Sena settled for a respectable deal.

State BJP president Raosaheb Danve and Sena MP Sanjay Raut made a joint statement late Thursday evening at Danve's Worli residence. The leaders did not specify any seat-sharing formula. Senior leadership of both parties will take a decision on disputes that the local leaders are unable to resolve, said a Sena leader. "We expect a trouble-free alliance at 50-60 places. Few places may see growing disputes that will need intervention," he said.