The 25-year-old ties between Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to come to an end as the seat sharing issue is mounting. Sena and BJP had contested 169 and 119 seats, respectively, for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly in 2009. The results were that inspiring as BJP managed to win only 46 while Shiv Sena won only 44. However, this time BJP is demanding 60 additional seats from Sena while the latter is planning to contest in 150 segments.

With the recent setback from the by-elections, BJP has proposed a new share with 135 seats each to BJP and Shiv Sena, the remaining would go to small allies. Shiv Sena which has its eyes on the chief minister post, seems to be tough in the seats share stand and is heard to be in no mood to go. Also the party has issued a warning to the cadre to get ready to fight the elections single if talks with BJP fail. One of a senior leader of Shiv Sena said, the party has selected candidates who can win in 199 segments but as long friendship issues we brought down the number.

BJP national president Amit Shah will take a final call on this issue. Maharashtra will witness elections for the Assembly on October 15th.

(AW: Vamshi)