The results are out. And it will be a Congress-led government yet again in Maharashtra. And many say that the Shiv Sena was bested this time not just by the Congress-NCP combine, but also by cousin Raj Thackeray's MNS eating into the Sena's votebank. The MNS has done far better than it did in the Lok Sabha elections and the Thackeray factor is in the forefront again.  
 
While the Sena is defensive, partner BJP has openly said the Sena split affected the alliance.

Seen here is Bal Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena. (PTI Photo)