BJP snubs Shiv Sena, wants it to announce support first - Economic Times

MUMBAI: BJP has snubbed its former ally, Shiv Sena, that had given a Friday deadline to decide on the allocation of portfolios. The Sena had threatened that if BJP wouldn't decide on portfolios by Friday then the Sena would sit in the opposition and name its opposition leader. BJP has, however, said that the Sena would have to first support the party and only then a decision would be taken on the number of portfolios for Sena.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters in Mantralaya on Wednesday that Sena had not issued a deadline. "There will be no expansion of the Cabinet before the trust vote," he said and added that talks between Sena and BJP were going on in a 'cordial atmosphere'. Fadnavis not succumbing to the demand on portfolios has sent a signal that BJP would not succumb to Sena tactics.

The talks between the Shiv Sena and BJP are stuck over the former demanding the deputy chief minister's post and ministries like home, housing and energy. Sena wants 10 ministries, including four Cabinet posts. BJP, however is not ready to accede to Sena's demand of allocating the deputy chief minister's portfolio to it.

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