Shiv Sena gives ultimatum to BJP: Decide cabinet portfolios before crucial vote

Mumbai, Nov 5: As the newly elected BJP government in Maharashtra prepares itself for the crucial trust vote on Wednesday, Nov 12, the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday gave an ultimatum to the BJP telling it to decide cabinet berths by Saturday, Nov 8 or forget any support.

According to TOI report, Sena has been adamant in its demand for the deputy chief minister's post and 10 ministerial portfolios, including five cabinet posts.

In an attempt to seal the deal, Sena has also said, in case if the government doesn't budge to its demand of deputy CM post, then it wants 12 ministerial berths, including six portfolios of cabinet rank.

However, the report said that the BJP is in no mood to fulfill the demands of Shiv Sena.

It said that BJP has clearly mentioned to Sena that "the deputy chief minister's post cannot be created under any circumstances and that Sena will not get more than eight portfolios, including four cabinet posts."

In case, if BJP doesn't send formal proposal to Sena, then it has decided to elect its legislature party leader who will then be the leader of the opposition.

On Tuesday, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray vowed that his party would sweep the next Maharashtra assembly elections by bagging 180 seats.

Belying expectations, Thackeray did not comment on the Sena's plans to join the BJP minority government headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis which is preparing for the crucial vote of confidence Nov 12.

Sena has been insisting on following the 1995 formula under which BJP, being the junior partner, had got Deputy Chief Minister's post, in the first coalition government formed by the two saffron parties.

OneIndia News