Interesting times that's how one should describe Maharashtra these days. The best buddies of yesterday the BJP and Shiv Sena are fighting it out over sharing of power. Realising that the BJP is way too short of the majority mark, the Shiv Sena is upping its demands. It wants to share Chief Minister's post for two and a half years. The BJP, which is still the largest party with 102 seats is not willing to do that.
Even in the Opposition campus, while the Congress is ready to join hands with the Shiv Sena, the NCP, which is the second largest party after BJP, feels there's a window of opportunity for it. If NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress join hands, it can form the government and enjoy power. Similarly, if it breaks from the Congress and joins hands with the BJP, it can be in power. So, both ways it is advantage NCP.
The BJP is getting smaller parties and independents, who are mainly rebels, into its fold and is increasing its strength. There are also reports that a significant chunk of Shiv Sena MLAs are in touch with the BJP. If they breakaway and support the BJP, it can form a government with the support of the independents and smaller parties. This will decimate the Shiv Sena leadership. If sources are to be believed, at least 45 Shiv Sena MLAs are in touch with the BJP.
So, what are BJP's future plans if Shiv Sena leaves the alliance? What will the Congress do if NCP leaves the alliance? What will NCP do if Shiv Sena joins hands with the Congress? What will Shiv Sena do if NCP and BJP join hands and form the government? What will the Thackerays do if their MLAs defect to the BJP?
Interesting times, aren't they?
Even in the Opposition campus, while the Congress is ready to join hands with the Shiv Sena, the NCP, which is the second largest party after BJP, feels there's a window of opportunity for it. If NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress join hands, it can form the government and enjoy power. Similarly, if it breaks from the Congress and joins hands with the BJP, it can be in power. So, both ways it is advantage NCP.
The BJP is getting smaller parties and independents, who are mainly rebels, into its fold and is increasing its strength. There are also reports that a significant chunk of Shiv Sena MLAs are in touch with the BJP. If they breakaway and support the BJP, it can form a government with the support of the independents and smaller parties. This will decimate the Shiv Sena leadership. If sources are to be believed, at least 45 Shiv Sena MLAs are in touch with the BJP.
So, what are BJP's future plans if Shiv Sena leaves the alliance? What will the Congress do if NCP leaves the alliance? What will NCP do if Shiv Sena joins hands with the Congress? What will Shiv Sena do if NCP and BJP join hands and form the government? What will the Thackerays do if their MLAs defect to the BJP?
Interesting times, aren't they?