Mumbai, October 31: As the power-sharing tussle with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) turns murkier, ally Shiv Sena has sent out an alarming signal. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday met Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar, triggering speculations on whether the Uddhav Thackeray-led party is exploring non-BJP options to form the next government. Aaditya Thackeray Meets Maharashtra Governor Amid BJP-Shiv Sena Power Sharing Tussle.

Although the meeting assumed deep political overtones, including a possible discussion on whether an unprecedented alliance between the Shiv Sena and the NCP could be sealed, Raut later told reporters that it was courtesy meeting to exchange Diwali greetings. He, however, noted that the overall political scenario in Maharashtra was also briefly discussed.

"Met Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar at his residence today. I had come to wish him on the occasion of Diwali. We also discussed the politics in Maharashtra," Raut was reported as saying, following the meeting.

Update by ANI:

Earlier in the day, Uddhav Thackeray after chairing a meeting of Shiv Sena legislators, said he was "disappointed" with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for denying the agreement over "50:50 formula" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Sena has reiterated that BJP president Amit Shah, in his meeting with Thackeray before the general elections, had promised an equal share of power between the two parties. As per the pact, Thackeray said, the chief ministerial post should be divided between the two saffron parties for two-and-half-year each.

Fadnavis has, so far denied the possibility of appointing a Chief Minister from the Sena. "I will continue as the CM for the next five years...And there is no question of forming the government without Shiv Sena," he said, adding that the coalition would divide the ministerial berths proportionately, but the chief ministerial post would remain with the BJP.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 31, 2019 09:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).