BJP resolves differences with Shiv Sena but at the expense of smaller allies in Maharashtra

MUMBAI: BJP may have finally resolved differences with its long-time ally Shiv Sena on Friday. However, the Sena-BJP coming together could be at the expense of the saffron party’s other allies in the state.

On Friday, Swabhimaani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) leaders, including Sadabhau Khot, skipped the swearing-in. Khot claimed no invites were received by his party. “They (BJP government) might have felt we were not needed for the swearing-in.

It is entirely their prerogative. We are not upset about not getting an invite,” said Khot. Later in the day, however, SSS Chief Raju Shetti claimed they had received the invite but it arrived late. Mahadeo Jankar of the RSP, too, didn’t attend the swearing-in.

It’s not just the invites or the lack of it, the BJP’s allies like the RPI (A), SSS and the RSP are feeling uneasy with the entry of Sena as they feel that its entry will make it difficult for them to get ministerial posts.

Ramdas Athavale who heads the RPI(A) claimed that his party was being offered a berth in Devendra Fadnavis government,however he has declined it. “ We were offered a berth in the state, however I have declined it, as I want a cabinet berth in the centre.”claimed Athavale. Fadnavis, however, claimed that all allies were issued invites. He also said that the allies had been informed about them being inducted in to the government at a later stage.