To Keep BJP Away, Congress May Consider Backing A Sena Govt In Maharashtra

On Thursday evening, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had categorically dismissed such speculative suggestions, affirming that the next government will be formed by the BJP and its allies.

Mumbai: Yuvasena Chief Aaditya Thackeray outside counting centre after winning the assembly elections, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Sena has pitched Aaditya Thackreray as the chief ministerial face. (PTI Photo)

Mumbai: The results in Maharashtra assembly elections have fortuitously improved the Congress’ image in the western state and now it has hinted that it could offer "support" to a Shiv Sena-led government to keep BJP away. The indication came a day after senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and senior Congress MP Hussain Dalwai extended similar proposals, ostensibly in a bid to keep Sena ally and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power. "We have not received any communication from the Sena on this yet. However, if it comes, we shall put it up with the party high command for a decision in the matter," state Congress President Balasaheb Thorat told mediapersons. The Congress, NCP and all its allies together have bagged a significant chunk of 117 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP-Shiv Sena combined tally stands at 161. On Thursday evening, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had categorically dismissed such speculative suggestions, affirming that the next government will be formed by the BJP and its allies. On the other hand, BJP’s recalcitrant ally Shiv Sena has brusquely demanded a 50:50 power sharing formula. The Sena has said that NCP chief Sharad Pawar  has proved more powerful than the BJP chief minister. However, Pawar on Thursday said that he was not in favour of allying with Shiv Sena. "I have no such information of Shiv Sena wanting to form government with Cong-NCP combine. In fact, we are not keen on forming a government with Shiv Sena. BJP & Sena have the numbers and can form the government. We have the mandate to sit in opposition so will play the role of constructive opposition,"he said. (With IANS inputs)