Sharad Pawar’s NCP with 41 MLAs has already offered “outside support” to BJP in government formation, while there was no clarity on whether the party will reunite with former ally Shiv Sena to form a coalition government.
Sources said the party is using the interim period to shortlist and finalise candidates who would be in the new ministry.
So far, the focus is only on having BJP legislators in the ministry, sources said, indicating that former ally Sena may not find place in the new dispensation.
Though there were reports about back channel talks between BJP and Shiv Sena over power-sharing in the new dispensation, there was no official word from either side.
With NCP offering “unconditional” outside support, the Shiv Sena is no longer in a position to dictate terms, they said.
Meanwhile, BJP is making attempts to enlist support of independents and small parties. “We have so far secured support of seven independents and Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi which has three members. The lone MNS MLA may also back us,” they said.
