The BJP is yet to give a clear answer to Uddhav Thackeray on a fresh tie-up.
Kept on tenterhooks by the BJP on the alliance issue, the Shiv Sena is yet to congratulate Maharashtra's Chief Minister designate Devendra Fadnavis, who is to be sworn-in on Friday.
Over 24 hours after Mr Fadnavis was elected leader of the BJP's legislature party, no message has come from the Shiv Sena.
Shiv Sena has carried the news in its mouthpieces - Saamana and Dopahar ka Saamana. But barring that, no senior leader or office-bearer has greeted Mr Fadnavis even in their personal capacity, reported the Indo-Asian News Service, quoting a source in the party.
Confident that it will not lack support for government formation, the BJP is going ahead with the swearing-in of a mini cabinet despite being 22 seats short of majority. So although talks are on with the Shiv Sena, an ally for 25 years before their break-up ahead of the polls, the BJP has delinked it from the process of government formation.(Read:
Devendra Fadnavis Set for Chief Minister, Shiv Sena on Hold)
The BJP's other choices includes Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, which has already offered outside support. The BJP has not turned it down. Besides, the party is also exploring the possibility of getting support from independents.
The BJP is not unduly worried at the prospect of having to prove majority on the floor of the House within 15 days of the swearing-in. The NCP has also promised that it would abstain from voting.
Losing all bargaining chips, the Shiv Sena first softened its stand - even crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for winning Maharashtra. And now, party leaders indicate it is even considering sitting in the opposition.(Read:
Shiv Sena Sweet Talks BJP Which Preps For Friday Swearing-In)
"So far, the BJP has not sent any proposal for seeking our support or joining the government. Support has to be sought, it can't just be given. Depending on the next development, the party will take an appropriate decision," IANS quoted a Shiv Sena leader as saying.