Shiv Sena will get required numbers to form a stable government if determined: Sanjay Raut

In another attack on the BJP amid the political deadlock in Maharashtra government formation, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has said that if adamant, the party will get the required numbers to form a stable government in the state.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Raut said that people of Maharashtra have given the mandate to form the government on the 50:50 formula that was decided even before the Assembly elections adding that people want Chief Minister from Shiv Sena.

"If Shiv Sena decides, it'll get the required numbers to form stable government in the state. People have given mandate to form government on basis of 50-50 formula that was reached in front of people of Maharashtra.They want Chief Minister from Shiv Sena", he was quoted by ANI.

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: If Shiv Sena decides, it'll get the required numbers to form stable government in the state. People have given mandate to form government on basis of 50-50 formula that was reached in front of people of Maharashtra.They want Chief Minister from Shiv Sena. pic.twitter.com/mFwLu7LbhV

— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2019

Raut also said that the party has also urged the Maharashtra Governor to take stock of the political situation in the state since no other party has come forward to form the government.

On Thursday, Raut had said that Shiv Sena was in touch with MLAs from other parties.

Party chief Uddhav Thackeray also lashed out at prospective ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a party meeting yesterday, claiming that Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray was a man of his word and the BJP should remember that and abide by their earlier promise of a 50-50 formula for power-sharing in Maharashtra.

Uddhav Thackeray also said that the Shiv Sena had a rightful claim on the Chief Minister's post because the party had performed well in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections. He said the post was not always permanent for any one person.

BJP has maintained that the party will not share the CM's post, which is currently held by Devendra Fadnavis.

Both the parties are currently engaged in a psychological tussle in Maharashtra over the issue of government formation in the state, trying to woo the 13 elected Independent MLAs in order to amp up their respective bargaining powers in a struggle for more control.

The BJP and Shiv Sena contested the recently-held Maharashtra assembly elections together and won 105 and 56 seats, respectively. But the Shiv Sena's demand of "50-50 formula" for power-sharing has delayed the government formation.