Our mandate is to play the role of opposition, Shiv Sena-BJP should form govt: Sharad Pawar

NEW DELHI: Amidst the uncertainity over government formation in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said that his party will sit in the opposition and both the Shiv Sena and BJP should end their fued as they have the mandate of the people.
"I don't have anything to say yet. BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate of people, so they should form the government as soon as possible. Our mandate is to play the role of the opposition," Pawar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Pawar dismissed the reports of Shiv Sena-NCP alliance, saying that Sena has been with BJP for 25 years. "They (BJP-Shiv Sena) are together for last 25 years,today or tomorrow they will come together again," he said.
"There is only one option, which is that the BJP and Shiv Sena should form the government. There is no other option other than this to avoid President's rule," he added. "I have been the chief minister four times and I'm not keen on that post again."
Pawar's remark came shortly after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut held a meeting with the NCP chief.
Though Raut termed the meeting "a courtesy call", it gave rise to speculations that Sena might be looking to seek the support of NCP to form a government in the state.
"It was a courtesy meeting. He (Sharad Pawar) is a senior leader of the state and the country. He is worried about the political situation in Maharashtra today. We had a brief discussion," the Shiv Sena leader said.
Shiv Sena is not ready to settle for anything less than an equal share of power as Sanjay Raut on Wednesday outrightly denied the possibility of reaching any new settlement with BJP except the one (50:50) that was allegedly agreed upon prior to poRead More – Source