Will talk to Shiv Sena with an open mind: BJP

BJP on Friday said it would talk to Shiv Sena with an "open mind" on the issue of the latter's participation in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra.

"We are going to meet Shiv Sena leaders with an open mind. We have been allies in the past and the Sena is also part of BJP-led government at the Centre," Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters outside the BJP office before leaving for 'Matoshree', the residence of Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray.

"Shiv Sena has been our natural ally. We will hold talks with an open mind," Pradhan said. Pradhan, who attended a meeting with senior state BJP leaders here today, declined to comment on a question if Shiv Sena had demanded the deputy chief minister's post.