BJP And Shiv Sena Tension Hits Danger Mark: 10 Latest Developments

For weeks, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena, has been waiting to hear whether the BJP will allow his party into its government in Maharashtra. He has arrived at Sena Bhawan for the party meeting.

The Shiv Sena is a member of the PM's coalition government, but the tension in Mumbai has been threatening to change that.

The PM today inducted Suresh Prabhu into his cabinet.  Mr Prabhu, who was a member of the Shiv Sena, reportedly joined the BJP today, in what is being seen as a major snub.

His promotion today has irked the Shiv Sena, which nominated Anil Desai for its "quota" of a Cabinet minister. Mr Desai flew to Delhi this morning. But after the BJP made it clear that Mr Desai would rank as a  junior minister, Mr Thackeray ordered him to fly back to Mumbai.

The Shiv Sena currently has one representative - Anant Geete - in the Union government. He is meeting with Mr Thackeray in Mumbai, who will decide whether he should quit the government.

The BJP and Shiv Sena called off a 25-year alliance in Maharashtra ahead of the state election. The Sena ran a maximally vicious campaign. The BJP won the most seats but not a majority.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will take a trust vote on Wednesday. The Sena wants to be added to his government before then, which the BJP has refused to allow.

The BJP wants the Sena to accept that its junior partner status cannot entitle it to the post of Deputy Chief Minister or an important portfolio like Home or Finance.

Mr Thackeray has reportedly conveyed that without those offices, the Sena would prefer to serve as the Opposition in Maharashtra. 

Sharad Pawar has said his party, the NCP, will support the BJP's minority government but he has a poor record as an ally which is why the BJP is keen to strike a deal with the Sena.