Devendra Fadnavis Reveals Why BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Collapsed in 2014:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has, for the first time, publicly explained the reasons behind the 2014 breakup between the BJP and Shiv Sena. Speaking at a felicitation event for Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Fadnavis said the alliance fell apart due to unresolved seat-sharing issues.

He explained that while the BJP had proposed contesting 127 seats and allowing Shiv Sena to contest 147, the latter was firm on contesting 151. The remaining seats were to be given to smaller alliance partners. Despite multiple discussions, Shiv Sena did not agree to any compromise.

Central Leadership’s Role in Final Decision

Fadnavis mentioned that the final call was made by the BJP's top leadership. Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were informed after Om Prakash Mathur and other leaders escalated the issue.

A formula of 127 seats for BJP and 147 for Shiv Sena was proposed and endorsed by the central leadership. Fadnavis noted, “We gave Shiv Sena an option that would benefit both parties, including retaining the Chief Minister’s post for them.”

Uddhav Thackeray Rejected Compromise Offer

Despite the proposal allowing Shiv Sena to retain the CM post, Uddhav Thackeray refused, sticking to his demand of 151 seats. Fadnavis emphasized that BJP leaders were confident in contesting alone, backed by PM Modi's popularity, Amit Shah’s strategy, and Mathur’s support.

He also recalled how BJP, for the first time, contested all 260 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections — a jump from its usual 117 seats. The Mahayuti alliance, which included BJP, eventually secured 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly.