Shiv Sena party Chief Uddhav Thackeray said in Mumbai today that discussions on power sharing in the state will continue with the BJP until a final settlement is reached. However he also clarified that Shiv Sena has staked claim on the leader of opposition post in the state assembly in response to Congress’s claim on the same post.

Thackeray further clarified that his party does not want to risk losing the leader of opposition post as fate of negotiations with the BJP on power sharing is still uncertain. Earlier today, Shiv Sena had written to Maharashtra Assembly Principal secretary staking claim for the leader of opposition post.

According to party sources, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has written a letter to the State assembly’s Principal secretary seeking the leader of opposition status. The Shiv Sena emerged as the second largest party in the recently concluded Maharashtra assembly elections. At present the BJP has won 121, Shiv Sena 63, Congress 42 and NCP 41 seats in the state legislature.

Ahead of the crucial trust vote in Maharashtra assembly, Nationalist Congress Party- NCP chief Sharad Pawar today reiterated that his party would not do anything which may endanger the stability of Devendra Fadanvis Government. Speaking to media persons at a party press conference in Mumbai, he said that another assembly election in Maharashtra at this stage would be un-affordable. He also made it clear that NCP's goodwill gesture is limited only to ensure the stability of the government.

Mr Pawar also clarified that there has been no agreement or communication between the BJP and NCP on supporting the state Government. On the question of the crucial trust vote to be held on 12th November, Pawar said that the NCP will take a stand on whether or not to vote depending on the situation at the floor of the house on that day.

The special session of the Maharashtra assembly has begun today and will conclude on 12th when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will seek the trust vote in the assembly. At present the BJP has won 121, Shiv Sena 63, Congress 42 and NCP 41 seats in the state legislature. Maharashtra has 288 member assembly but after the death of a BJP MLA, the total strength of the house at present has come down to 287.