Fadnavis, Sena leader meets Maharashtra Governor

As ruling BJP and Shiv Sena continue to remain engaged in a tussle over power-sharing, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apprised Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari the prevailing political situation in the state on Monday.

Fadnavis and senior Shiv Sena leader and transport minister Diwakar Roate separately called on the Governor.

Both the visits were "courtesy calls" to extend Diwali greetings, according to a Raj Bhavan spokesperson.

Fadnavis, in a tweet, said he met Governor and wished him on the occasion of Diwali. "Also apprised him on the current scenario," he tweeted.

Later in the day, RPI president and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, a key ally of BJP, met Fadanvis and greeted him.

The BJP and Shiv Sena fought in alliance and have secured 105 and 58 seats, respectively.

In the 288-seat Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, none of the parties are in a position to form the government on its own but going by tradition, the Governor may invite single largest party first.

The Shiv Sena has asked for a 50-50 power share and rotation of CM's post for two-and-a-half-years' each.

It is learnt, post-Diwali festivities, Shah will come to Mumbai to work out a deal, but there is no official confirmation on this.

Both parties are cobbling up the support of Independents and smaller parties to increase in numbers and improve bargaining power.

Veteran activist and founder of Prahar Janshakti Party Bachchu Kadu, who is an MLA from Achalpur and his colleague Rajkumar Patel, who won form Melghat, had extended letter of support to Shiv Sena.

Three Independent MLAs who announced support to BJP are Geeta Jain from Mira Bhayender, Rajendra Raut from Barshi and Ravi Rana from Badnera.