Devendra Fadnavis said "There are no ifs and buts in politics".
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, normally seen spearheading the BJPs attack on the Uddhav Thackeray government, today declared the Shiv Sena was "never" an "enemy". Asked by reporters whether there is a possibility of the two former allies coming together, Mr Fadnavis said an "appropriate decision" will be taken in view of the situation.
"We (Sena and the BJP) were never enemies. They were our friends and people whom they fought against, they formed government together with them and they left us," Mr Fadnavis told reporters, when he was asked about his meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah and the possibility of a rapprochement with Sena.
"There are no ifs and buts in politics. Decisions are taken as per prevailing situations," Mr Fadnavis added.
The declaration of friendship comes amid reports of strain within the ruling alliance, fed by belligerent remarks from leaders of ally Congress.
There were, however, reports that the allies are trying to work through it.
Earlier this week, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The meeting was also attended by cabinet minister Jeetendra Awhad, Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil and Aditya Thackeray.
Before that, Mr Thackeray had a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Shiv Sena explained it as protocol and said it values personal relations irrespective of political affiliations.
On Saturday, Sena MP Sanjay Raut met BJP leader Ashish Shelar.
"The more such rumours spread, the stronger the MVA alliance will become," Mr Raut said in an attempt to dispel speculation.
"We may have political and ideological differences, but if we come face-to-face at public functions, we will cordially greet each other. I have had coffee with Shelar openly," he added.
