Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut today informed that final decision regarding participation of Shiv Sena in the BJP-led Government in Maharashtra would be announced by party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday. Incidentally, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to expand his Cabinet on the same day. When asked about ministerial berths being offered to Shiv Sena at the Centre, Raut declined to comment saying it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. It is believed that Shiv Sena would be given one or two ministerial berths in the expansion.

Raut however, made it clear that Union cabinet expansion and issue related to extending support to Maharashtra government can not be mixed. According to sources, Shiv Sena is firm on its stand demanding 10 ministerial portfolios in Fadnavis government including five of cabinet ranks besides deputy chief minister’s post. In case the deputy chief minister’s post is dropped, the Shiv Sena wants 12 ministerial berths including 6 cabinet ranks. The three-day special session of Maharashtra state Assembly starts on November 10 and the Fadnavis-led BJP Government will prove trust vote on November 12.