Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed hope that the deadlock over Shiv Sena joining the state government will end soon. In a series of interviews to private news channels, he said the talks between BJP and Shiv Sena over the issue is progressing in the right direction.

Shiv Sena also confirmed that the talks are being held in a positive atmosphere.

Sources said, Shiv Sena wants a respectable solution on portfolio allocation before the vote of confidence in the assembly. Shiv Sena is demanding at least ten ministerial berths including Deputy Chief Minister's post and insisting on some key portfolios like Home, Energy and Irrigation. On the hand, BJP wants to keep these important portfolios with the party. Mr. Fadnavis said yesterday that the portfolios will be announced today.

Cabinet Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said that special session of the state legislature will be held from November 10 to 12. He said the swearing in of newly elected MLAs will be take place on Novemver 10 and 11. On November 12, the new government will seek vote of confidence in the house. He said it was also decided to conduct cabinet meet on every Tuesday. Mr Mungantiwar informed that the Chief Minister has ordered a detail investigation into Javkheda dalit family murder case. Mr Fadnavis has also ordered the trial of the case in the fast track court.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Manikrao Thakre said that Congress will perform the role of a strong opposition party in the state assembly. Addressing at a press conference in Mumbai yesterday, Mr Thakre said that if Shiv Sena joins the government, Congress would be the natural claimant for the leader of opposition post. He said, Congress will elect its legislature party leader before November 11. Mr Thakre also said that the Congress will support the state government over Right to Service bill.