After days of saying "let's talk" but steering largely clear of each other, the BJP and the Shiv Sena are officially opening negotiations for a reconciliation that could allow them to form the next government in Maharashtra together. The Sena has deputed two leaders - Subhash and Anil Desai - to meet with BJP heavyweights in Delhi. The talks will relieve Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who was made to sweat by the BJP's non-committal stand on when and whether it would seriously engage with him.