Athawale was quoted as saying, "I told Amit Bhai (BJP President Amit Shah) that if he mediates then a way can be found out to which he (Amit Shah) replied don't worry, everything will be fine. BJP and Shiv Sena will come together to form the government." "I think that Shiv Sena should change its stand. Congress is not ready to support the Sena," he added.
Watch | BJP-Shiv Sena Will Form Govt, Says Union Minister Athawale
The BJP and the Shiv Sena got an absolute majority in Maharashtra assembly polls but could not form the government due to differences over power-sharing. Following the inability of BJP, the single largest party, to form the government, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari asked the Shiv Sena, and then NCP to form the government in the state. However, as they were not able to put together a viable alternative in the given time, the state came under President's Rule.
The BJP has 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44 seats in the state assembly. The majority mark in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly is 145.
(with inputs from ANI)