Union Minister, Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India (RPI) has said that old allies Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena can form a government in Maharashtra if the latter is offered the CM post for a full five-year term.
Speaking with reporters, Athawale said that the two former allies coming together is "not a big deal". The RPI leader said that he will request the BJP to consider his plan. It has to be noted that Athawale's RPI was an alliance partner of Shiv Sena and BJP from 2014-2019 in Maharashtra.
"My proposal is that a thought should be given to the possibility of BJP and Shiv Sena coming together by (BJP) offering CM position to the latter (Shiv Sena). BJP and Shiv Sena coming together is not a big deal. Even Sainiks feel the two parties must come together," Athawale was quoted in an article by PTI.
Athawale also demanded that the BJP must give his party, RPI(A) five to six seats in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
While talking to reporters on Saturday, Shiv Sena MP, Sanjay Raut praised BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee played a pivotal role in cementing the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' slogan truly suits him."
Are there any signs of a change in Maharashtra? Well, nothing can be said for certain unless there is an announcement either from Sharad Pawar or Uddhav Thackeray.
Meanwhile, BJP took potshots at CM Uddhav Thackeray by saying that Maharashtra does not have a 'full-time CM', in context to Thackeray missing the assembly session owing to his health.