'Extended Diwali wishes to Guv, meeting not political': Sena's Raote

Amid the looming tussle post assembly elections between Shiv Sena and BJP, Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote on Monday said that his meeting with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan was not related to any political scenario. Raote's statement comes after speculations arose that Raote might have discussed matters pertaining to the Maharashtra government formation with the Governor. 

READ | Amid 50:50 Tussle, BJP & Sena To Meet Maharashtra Governor Separately

Diwakar Raote on his meeting with Governor

Talking to the media after meeting the Governor, Raote said: 

"Since a very long time, I visit Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor on every Diwali to extend my wishes so I came here to give him Diwali wishes today." He continued, "The Governor had asked me to come at 10:30 AM as he is scheduled to go out for work later today. We did not hold a discussion regarding any political issue."

READ | Ramdas Athawale: Shiv Sena Should Accept Deputy Chief Minister's Post

The development comes after Shiv Sena and BJP are in a scuffle over government formation in the State. The mega alliance or the Mahayuti of Shiv Sena-BJP won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra Assembly polls. The BJP won over 105 seats while Sena managed to bag 56 seats. 

Sena demands 50:50 formula over government formation

Following the saffron alliance's victory in the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections, Sena legislator Pratap Sarnaik outside party chief Uddhav Thackeray's residence said that the Chief Ministerial post must be equally divided between BJP and Sena for 2.5 years each. Shiv Sena has put forth its expectations and said that BJP president Amit Shah should give the assurance in writing and to maintain the 50-50 formula that was sealed before polls. The Shiv Sena is staunchly rooting for Thackeray scion Aaditya Thackeray as Maharashtra's next Chief Minister. 

READ | Locked In Power Tussle, BJP And Sena Try To Win Over Independent MLAs

Ramdas Athawale urges BJP to consider Sena's demand

Meanwhile, RPI (A) President Ramdas Athawale has said that BJP must take Sena's demand seriously. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said that both parties should talk and that he will speak to both the party. Moreover, Athawale added that if BJP is not ready for the 50:50 formula, it must offer Sena Deputy CM post or a ministerial berth in the Central government. Athawale has demaded one cabinet and one State minister berth in the Maharashtra government. 

READ | As Sena Plays Hardball In Maha, Shah Likely To Meet Uddhav On Oct 30

(With ANI Inputs)