Mumbai:
A day before Narendra Modi is sworn in as the Prime Minister, the focus has clearly shifted to portfolio allocation. With the BJP winning a majority on its own in general elections, it remains to be seen how many portfolios the BJP allots to its allies.
Senior Shiv Sena leader Subhash Desai told NDTV, "Shiv Sena is expecting good positions in the Central Government. The BJP has assured us that would happen. We are confident. We are not at all bothered or worried about Shiv Sena not getting a proper share."
But while the Sena is feeling assured on portfolio allocation, it is in a bind over the invitation Mr Modi has sent to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony. The Sena, which has always propagated a confrontationist tit-for-tat policy with Pakistan, now says Mr Modi must be given an opportunity to experiment.
"He (Narendra Modi) is trying to offer the hand of friendship. And if that happens and if there is no infiltration, there is no insurgency, there are no terrorist attacks, there are no conflicts on the border and if bloodshed stops, India will welcome it. And if again Pakistan attends PM's oath ceremony, participates in our celebrations and again there is a backstabbing, Shiv Sena will never tolerate it. Then we have our policy of tit-for-tat," Mr Desai said.
Speaking on the strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra, he said "The party (Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) is totally rejected, thrown out of the fray. They have no scope, no chance. I hope that MNS will declare that they would not fight assembly elections and they would support the alliance of Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI to come into the power and throw out the bad government of Congress and NCP."
And on day when Shiv Sena workers put up posters saying following the Modi government in Delhi, there should be an Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra, many wondered if this was a signal that a Thackeray would take up an official post for the first time. Mr Desai, while commenting on the posters, said, "We are trying to have a legitimate goal. And if we dream of our leader becoming Chief Minister, it is not wrong. And Maharashtra wants what we want. Maharashtra would be happy if the new CM would be Uddhav Thackeray. And naturally we wouldn't have total support from all the parties and we are sure we are in the process this will happen."