mumbai sources stated that as the Nationalist congress Party (NCP) is engaged in talks with the shiv sena and the congress over forming the government in maharashtra, the bjp is also trying to woo the ncp with the offer of an equal share in the maharashtra cabinet and representation in the Union Cabinet. Reportedly the bjp leadership in delhi has approached the NCP’s top leader with the offer. Apparently though Mr Sharad Pawar’s party is in the process of finalizing a “common minimum program” for the Sena, ncp and congress government, it has not rejected the BJP’s offer and kept its options still open.
Furthermore sources said the ncp is exploring all the possibilities to bargain as much as possible. Sources in the bjp, too, confirmed that talks are being held at the top level with the ncp in New Delhi. Reportedly “A proposal of power sharing has been sent to the ncp top brass through a conduit and the bjp has offered 50 per cent cabinet berths along with two berths at the Centre”. Perhaps the offer involves making ncp chief Sharad Pawar’s daughter supriya sule a Union cabinet minister.
Apparently a senior bjp leader requesting anonymity, confirmed the development. Another bjp leader said the ncp does not want to invite the wrath of the bjp by aligning with the Sena. Moreover congress sources said the party was serious about aligning with the Sena. Apparently a formula has been chalked out, wherein the chief minister’s post would remain with the Sena, while they get a deputy cm each.
