A day after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Maharashtra election, with 122 (plus one) seats but short of the magic figure of 145, all eyes are on what the party will do next.
Interestingly, throughout the campaign in the State, the party had kept both allies and opponents guessing.
The NCP, which won 41 seats, has offered unconditional “outside support” to the BJP. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who had said on Sunday that if there was an offer from the BJP his party would respond positively, reached out to the BJP chief Amit Shah to ‘congratulate’ him on his party’s victory.
Although the Sena appears as the most feasible option for the BJP, as they are “natural allies,” the ball is in the BJP’s court and the party is in no hurry to form a government. The onus is now on the BJP’s central parliamentary board. Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Jagat Prakash Nadda will arrive here on Tuesday as “observers” to stitch out an alliance for government formation.
Speculations are rife that the BJP was preparing to form a minority government with the outside support of the NCP. The party’s newly elected 122 MLAs reached the party headquarters on Monday. It said these were mere celebratory gatherings.
Om Mathur, BJP in-charge of Maharashtra elections, indicated that the party was in no hurry to decide on the possible allies. “All options are open,” he told The Hindu when asked whether the BJP would accept the NCP offer or go along with the Sena. The party can draw comfort from the fact that the Governor is a former party veteran.
Mr. Mathur said the party had not received any proposal from the Sena. All the decisions would be taken by the BJP’s central parliamentary board, he said. “Those who want to come along are welcome. The party will consider those with whom it can work for the people and the development of Maharashtra.”
