Maharashtra: Upping the ante, Raut claims CM will be from Shiv Sena

In what could be an indication of a worsening feud in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut claimed that Maharashtra chief minister will be from the Shiv Sena, PTI reported. It is widely considered an exacerbation of the ongoing saffron staredown in Karnataka, as the BJP and Shiv Sena are stuck in seat-sharing talks.

"No ultimatum to the BJP [on government formation]. They are big people," the Rajya Sabha MP said. "If the Sena decides, it can get the required numbers to form a stable government in Maharashtra. People have given mandate to form government on the basis of the 50:50 formula that was reached in front of the people of Maharashtra," Raut said.

In the just-held state polls, the BJP won 105 seats, while the Sena got 56 in the 288-member assembly. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is demanding the post of chief minister for 2.5 years and 50:50 division of portfolios. Both these demands have been rejected by the BJP which has insisted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will continue to hold the post for the next five years.

Raut also posted a terse tweet, warning the BJP against arrogance. "Do not be so arrogant, many have drowned in the sea of time."

Raut on Thursday met NCP chief Sharad Pawar, triggering speculation about the possible formation of an alternative government in the state.

Raut met Pawar at the latter's residence in south Mumbai, sources in the Sena said.

What transpired between the two leaders was not immediately known, but it sparked speculation about efforts being made for possible formation of a non-BJP government in the state.

-Inputs from PTI