With time running out for filing nominations for the Maharashtra assembly polls scheduled for October 15, there is still no end to the tug of war over the seat sharing issue.

More trouble is brewing for the Shiv Sena – BJP grand alliance as three of its smaller partners have threatened to part ways if both the parties do not agree to their demand of allotting at least 18 seats. The leaders of junior partners held separate meetings with BJP and Shiv Sena leaders asking them to settle for a formula that will allow the Shiv Sena to contest 150 seats, BJP 120 seats and the 4 smaller partners a share of the remaining 18 seats.

Expressing a feeling of betrayal and mistrust, the junior partners have asked the big parties to decide on the issue at the earliest or they will break the alliance and contest on their own.

Meanwhile, the fourth partner, RPI(A) led by Ramdas Athawale has decided to maintain status quo. He, has however said that if the three parties leave the grand alliance, the remaining seven seats offered to the allies should be given to his party. He added that he will not quit the alliance.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai today, Maharashtra BJP President Devendra Fadnavis said that the decision of smaller parties in 'Mahayuti' to part ways was unfortunate.

He added that the party is trying hard to resolve the crisis and ensure that the smaller parties in Mahayuti get additional seats.

The situation in the ruling alliance is not much different. The Congress has offered NCP a share of 128 seats while remaining non-committal about the rotation of Chief Minister’s post. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said that the Congress has made its final offer and the ball is now in NCP’s court.

He added that there will be no more discussions on the issue. He said the Congress is ready to contest on all 288 seats but would still like to get NCP on-board. A final decision on whether the alliance survives is expected later tonight or by tomorrow.