Maharashtra: Sena taunts BJP; praises Congress

After Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had invited BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to form the government, the Shiv Sena sent their "best wishes" and warned that it would try to do its best to buy MLAs ahead of the floor test in the assembly. He further said his party did not consider the Congress an enemy.

"I give my best wishes to the BJP to form theirgovernment in the State, as they claim to have a majority and numbers to havetheir own Chief Minister," said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, adding, "Webelieve that the BJP will try all means to horse-trade MLAs, but I am confidentthat the Congress MLAs cannot be traded."

Raut also praised Congress. "There may be somedifferences with the Congress on national issues, but we agree on some issuestoo. Congress is not our enemy… if Congress leaders are positive aboutsupporting the Shiv Sena, the people of Maharashtra will welcome itwhole-heartedly," Raut was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday saidthat the Maharashtra governor should now invite the second largest alliance onNCP and Congress to form the government in the State as the BJP-Shiv Senaalliance has refused to do so.