MASSIVE: Shiv Sena to back TDP's no-confidence motion against the NDA government?

Following the sensational political events of the day, with the TDP going from being a constituent of the NDA to moving a no-confidence motion against the NDA-run government, Republic TV has learnt of another development that vastly complicates matters for the BJP.

As per top sources, following a phone conversation between TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu and his Shiv Sena counterpart Uddhav Thackeray, the Sena has decided to support the TDP's no-confidence motion.

The Shiv Sena had emerged the BJP's biggest ally following the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, winning 18 seats, two more than the TDP's 16. Over the past few months, cracks have emerged in the Sena-BJP relationship with the former consistently hitting out at its larger ally. A number of Shiv Sena leaders have stated that the party will not be contesting the 2019 elections with the BJP.

Earlier on Friday, shortly after the TDP had announced its split from the NDA and intention to move a no-confidence motion against the council of ministers, a number of Opposition parties, including the Congress had reacted enthusiastically. At that point, a war of words had broken out between the TDP and its biggest rival in Andhra Pradesh, the YSR Congress, as the latter party had moved its no-confidence motion earlier. However, the TDP had said then that it would get 100 signatures on its motion. 54 signatures are required for the no-confidence motion to be passed.

Republic TV has also since learnt that a United Front comprising 11 political parties has been formed with Chandrababu Naidu as its face. 

Complicating matters, are two very critical pieces of information:

1. The Congress is not a part of this 'United Front'

2. As per sources, the Shiv Sena has decided to back the TDP's no-confidence motion against the NDA government

If the 'United Front' comes about, it could dramatically shake up India's electoral arithmetic:

Here's what the 'United Front' does to the current Lok Sabha:

NDA (excluding Shiv Sena) - 295 seats

United Front - 90 seats

Chandrababu Naidu (TDP) - 16

Sharad Pawar (NCP) - 6

Akhilesh Yadav (SP) - 7

Mayawati (BSP) - 0

Mamata Banerjee (TMC) - 34

Naveen Patnaik (BJD) - 20

MK Stalin (DMK) - 0

Farooq Abdullah (JKNC) - 1

Om Prakash Chautala (INLD) - 2

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) - 0

Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) - 4 

UPA (excluding NCP and JKNC) - 55

Others - 105