BJP CM Will Run Maharashtra Govt For Next 5 Years: Devendra Fadnavis Amid Shiv Sena's 50-50 Formula

Amid Shiv Sena's 50-50 condition for the formation of the next Maharashtra government, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the BJP has emerged as the largest party in the alliance in the state and the party will give a stable government of alliance for the next 5 years under party's leadership. 

Fadnavis's statement came after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded a written assurance from its ally BJP for implementing "equal formula for sharing of power" before holding talks on staking the claim to form the next alliance government in Maharashtra. In the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly polls, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority. As per the Election Commission, the BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena (56), Congress (44) and the Nationalist Congress Party (54).

"We have emerged as the largest party in the alliance in the state. We will give a stable govt of 'Yuti' (alliance) for the next 5 years in the leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)," says Devendra Fadnavis. Earlier, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil also responded to ally Shiv Sena's reported claim to the post of chief minister by stating "everyone has the right to express (their views)". The BJP's tally in the Assembly polls, results of which were declared on October 24, came down to 105 from 122 in 2014, prompting the Sena, with 56 seats and greater bargaining power, to play hardball in power sharing talks. 

Among the Sena's demands is a written assurance from the BJP on "equal sharing of power", which could possibly include equal division of the chief ministerial tenure. Patil, who won from Kothrud constituency in Pune city, however, added the final decision on government formation would be taken by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Speaking to reporters here, Patil said the BJP's newly-elected MLAs would meet on October 30 in Mumbai to elect the leader of the House. Responding to a question on the Sena reportedly demanding that it be given the CM's post for two-and-half years, Patil just said, "Everyone has the right to express (their views)."

"We have started government formation talks with the Sena. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray are authorised to take a final decision on it," he said. Heaping praise on the CM, he said, "Fadnavis was the most successful CM of Maharashtra since its formation. He ran the government with transparency and vision."

Speaking on the defeat of former MP and BJP candidate Udayanraje Bhosale in the Satara Lok Sabha bypoll, held along with the state Assembly polls on October 21, Patil said the verdict was "shocking". "The central leadership (of BJP) will take care of him (Bhosale)," he added.