Shiv Sena will perform the role of a strong opposition: Uddhav Thackeray

Despite being repeatedly snubbed by its estranged ally BJP over joining the government, there seem to be differences of opinion in the Shiv Sena over a possible truck with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut noted that Pawar had declared his support to the BJP in the interests of a stable government after the assembly verdict threw up a fractured mandate. "If he (Pawar's) opinion has undergone a transformation... we have a scheme to stabilise Maharashtra," he added, while dismissing prospects of mid-term polls. Raut claimed the Sena now held the "keys" to power.

However, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray said the party had not taken any decision on joining the government and noted that while the BJP, which was the Shiv Sena's ally for 25 years had ditched them before the assembly polls, they (BJP) had joined hands with the NCP, against whom they had contested elections. "As long as this period of instability is not tided over, the Shiv Sena will perform the role of a strong opposition party in the interests of the people," said Uddhav.

Ironically, while the BJP snapped ties with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, party's Anant Geete is part of the Narendra Modi-led dispensation at the Centre as the union heavy industries and public enterprises minister.