Maharashtra government will be led by us, says BJP

MUMBAI: BJP today virtually rejected the possibility of giving Chief Minister's post to Shiv Sena for forming a coalition government in Maharashtra, saying "people have given us the responsibility and the government will be led by us".

"People have given us the responsibility and we will do whatever is needed to fulfil that responsibility. The government will be led by us," BJP MP Kirit Somaiya said during a press conference.

There has been speculation that Shiv Sena could demand chief ministership as a condition for the reunion with BJP to form government despite the latter emerging as the largest party in the 288-member Assembly.

"We thank the people of Maharashtra for their mandate in favour of good governance of Narendra Modi, his vision for development," Somaiya, flanked by Maharashtra BJP treasurer Shaina N C and spokesman Madhav Bhandari, said.

He said once the final tally was available, the state and central leadership of the party will take a call on how to go about government formation.

"For the first time in Maharashtra, BJP is going to reach a century of seats. The parties going to finish second, third and fourth will not have even half of what we are set to get," he said.

"We will form a mini-Modi government and execute his vision. We will think of taking support from parties which are ready to help us execute this vision," Somaiya added.