The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, comprising the Shiv Sena (then undivided), NCP and Congress, collapsed in June last year after a revolt led by Shinde. Later, Shinde became the chief minister with BJP's support. Patel said last year, internal discussions took place over joining the BJP alliance. There was a discussion among the MLAs, he said.