Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today ruled out Cabinet expansion before the confidence motion in the state assembly. Fadanvis also said that he is not aware about any deadline set by Shiv Sena to accommodate its representatives in the cabinet. The Chief Minister however, made it clear that talks with Shiv Sena are on at appropriate level. He was speaking to reporters in Mumbai. A special three-day session of newly-elected Maharashtra assembly will begin on November 10 and the BJP-led Fadanvis Government will seek confidence of the house on the concluding day.

According to sources, Shiv Sena is pressurising BJP for the induction of its ministers before the vote of confidence in the Assembly. Sources also informed that hard bargaining is on between former allies BJP and Shiv Sena over latter's joining the government. Shiv Sena is pressing hard for post of deputy Chief Minister and ten berths in the cabinet. While, BJP has reservations about the deputy CM's post and has offered eight ministerial post to Shiv Sena.

After the death of an MLA BJP's strength has come down to 121 in 288 member state assembly. With 63 MLA's Shiv Sena is second single largest party, while Congress and NCP have 42 and 41 members respectively. All seven independent MLA's and three MLA's of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi have declared support to BJP government. NCP has already announced their unconditional out side support to the government.