Sena to send Anil Desai's name for Cabinet only if BJP resolves Maharashtra issue: sources

Mumbai: The Bharatiya Janata Party's former ally Shiv Sena has set conditions for the former and said that it will send Anil Desai to the Union Cabinet only if the Maharashtra deadlock is resolved, said sources on Saturday.

As talks between the BJP and Shiv Sena have hit a deadlock, the latter has started paperwork to stake claim for Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra, said sources.

Sources added that if Sena decides to sits in opposition, it may withdraw its lone minister in the Union Cabinet.

The BJP which has hinted at having post-poll alliance with the Sena has commuincated no word to the latter on the issue so far. The Sena has been insisiting on inducting ministers before floor test in Maharashtra Assembly on November 12, but the BJP was keen on taking a decision after the trust vote.

The BJP government-led by Devendra Fadnavis needs to prove the majority within 15 days of swearing-in. The BJP has 121 MLAs and is short of 24 seats to be able to form government in the state. The BJP is already claiming the support of independents and smaller parties.

The Nationalist Congress Party with 41 MLAs has already offered unconditional outside support to the BJP.

The Sena had made it clear that if the party does not get respectable portfolios then it would sit in the opposition.