Mumbai, October 31: The Shiv Sena, which had been adamant on rotational chief ministership for support to form government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra, signalled a softening of stand on Wednesday. As Shiv Sena seemed to have given up claim on the CM post, the BJP is learnt to have offered the Deputy Chief Minister’s post along with 13 to 15 ministerial berths to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Maharashtra Government Formation: From BJP-Led Minority Government to Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress Alliance, List of Likely Political Scenarios.

Along with the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, the BJP has offered portfolios like the public works department (PWD), rural development, industries and health to Shiv Sena. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is unwilling to give the home, urban development, revenue and finance departments. However, if the Shiv Sena doesn't relent, BJP may yield one of the three crucial portfolios — revenue, agriculture or irrigation, The Indian Express reported. Shiv Sena Should Accept Deputy CM Post For Aaditya Thackeray And Leave CM Chair For Devendra Fadnavis, Says Ramdas Athawale.

While the BJP would keep 27-29 ministerial posts, it is willing to give 13-15 departments to Shiv Sena. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is ready to give up claim on CM's post, if the BJP gives them crucial portfolios honourably, BJP mediators told the newspaper. "We have categorically conveyed to the Sena that 50:50 power-sharing would be honoured through crucial portfolios," a BJP leader was quoted as saying.

The BJP bagged 105 seats on its own in assembly elections but needs 40 more seats to be able to form a government. Shiv Sena has 56 MLAs. The Congress won 44 seats, while its ally the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) clinched 54. As many as 13 independents were also elected. Since the BJP cannot form the government on its own, the Shiv Sena has been playing hardball hoping to get the chief ministerial post for 2.5 years.

"Shiv Sena also realises that it cannot put pressure beyond a point. After all, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has a Sena-BJP coalition. Despite its 82 seats, the BJP has given full power to the Sena, which has just 84 seats. The BJP can pull the plug any time," the BJP leader said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 31, 2019 10:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).