Flicker of hope for Sena-BJP

Saffron parties want to cash in on Congress-NCP deadlock and demand Governor invites them to form government in state

Saffron parties want to cash in on Congress-NCP deadlock and demand Governor invites them to form government in state

The failure of the Congress and NCP to reach a consensus on government formation in Maharashtra has brought fresh life into the depleted Sena-BJP alliance.

After deputy chief ministeru00a0Chaggan Bhujbal (NCP) said it is ready to offer outside support to the government till the portfolio-sharing issue is resolved, the Sena-BJP wants Governor S C Jamir to invite them to form the government.

'Give us a chance'

Madhav Bhandari, BJP spokesperson, said, "We are the biggest alliance right now and if given a chance, we can form the government."

It's Our Berth Right: Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan and Governor S C Jamir discussed issues regarding the formation of government at Raj Bhavan yesterday.

Added a senior BJP leader, "With 90 MLAs, our tally is bigger than any other party in the Assembly. The Congress and NCP have 82 and 62 MLAs respectively.
u00a0
If given an opportunity, we will form the government." The leader, however, admitted that the alliance is woefully short of the magical figure of 145.

The Sena-BJP is relying on Independents and smaller parties like the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) and those from the Third Front to form the government.

The PWP has four MLAs whereas there are 20 Independents. And there is the possibility of smaller parties breaking away at the last moment.

22-20
The portfolio sharing agreement demanded by NCP, in theu00a0 42-member Cabinet. 20 seats to Cong

24-18
The agreement Congress is willing to settle for. 18 seats for NCP

Battle for Title

The Shiv Sena and BJP are at loggerheads over the selection of the Leader of Opposition.

The BJP, which won 46 seats to Shiv Sena's 44 in the Assembly polls, says it deserves the post because it has more MLAs. However, the Shiv Sena is reluctant to part with it.

The BJP wants Eknath Khadse to be the Opposition leader.