BJP, Sena negotiations on over high-ranking portfolios: Sources
A tussle over portfolios is the only impediment that is preventing the deal from being clinched smoothly.
As the Sena demanded at least one high-ranking cabinet portfolio like of deputy chief minister, home or revenue - the BJP is reportedly not ready to agree with the proposal.
The BJP apparently agreed to give a total of 12 berths to the Shiv Sena - six with cabinet rank and six with Minister of State (MOS) rank. Of the 12, six can be sworn in now, and six later, sources said.
The BJP is willing to offer less high-profile portfolios like energy, food and civil supplies, irrigation and health to the Shiv Sena, if they forge an alliance.
The BJP fell short of a majority in Maharashtra by 22 seats. The saffron brigade won altogether 123 Assembly seats in the state. It is widely expected that BJP would go with former ally Shiv Sena which won 63 seats.
But the NCP, which won 41 seats, had played a spoiler by offering unconditional outside support to the BJP in government formation in the state.
The BJP had contested alone in Maharashtra after snapping its 25-year alliance with the Shiv Sena over a seat-sharing disagreement.
In Maharashtra, all previous alliance partners - BJP and Shiv Sena of NDA and Congress and NCP of UPA - fought elections individually after failing to forge pre-poll tie-up.
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