Let's Talk, Says Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray to BJP

Mumbai: After the BJP accomplished its biggest-ever result in Maharashtra, its former ally, the Shiv Sena, said it's waiting to be nudged. "They can get in touch if they want," said Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, adding, somewhat sulkily, "if they want, they can go with the NCP." 

Mr Thackeray, 54, was referring to Sharad Pawar's party which openly said it is willing to back a BJP government with external support in Maharashtra. The BJP's top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met in Delhi this evening to review their options.

The BJP has won 123 seats in Maharashtra; it needs another 22 to form the government. The Sena has placed second with 63 seats.  BJP leaders late at night denied reports that their party president Amit Shah had phoned Mr Thackeray to break the ice.

If contacted with a proposal, said sources in the Sena, the party is willing to accept the post of Deputy Chief Minister, and is open to negotiations over other key portfolios - new found-flexibility for Mr Thackeray, who went on the offensive against the BJP after they split in September, ending a 25-year partnership. 

Sources in the BJP say their shared history and ideology makes the  Sena "a natural fit".  In contrast, Mr Pawar has been an ally of the BJP's arch rival, the Congress, though that collaboration also ended unhappily ahead of the state election. 

Senior BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh will travel tomorrow to Mumbai to consult with party leaders there. Earlier today, Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP president in Maharashtra and front-runner for Chief Minister, said "The Sena is not our political opponent."

It was Mr Thackeray's refusal to accord the BJP the status of senior partner that drove their break-up. After its spectacular result in May's national election, the BJP was determined to recalibrate the alliance in Maharashtra.

However, Mr Thackeray has still not pulled the Sena's lone minister in the Union government, signaling that the break-up that took place in Maharashtra is not irreversible.