Defeat in the bitterly fought Palghar Lok Sabha bypoll has further widened the rift between Shiv Sena and BJP. Though Sena president Uddhav Thackeray decided against walking out of the BJP-led government at the Centre and in Maharashtra, he has reiterated his party's resolve to go solo. This is despite the call by several BJP leaders including its national president Amit Shah and number two in Fadnavis cabinet, Chandrakant Patil, for a poll tie-up to retain saffron supremacy in the state.

Shiv Sena had won 18 Lok Sabha seats when it had contested Lok Sabha poll in 2014 in an alliance with BJP. However, after its break up with BJP, Sena could win 63 assembly seats. Party for a while sat in the opposition and subsequently joined BJP-led government in December 2014 fearing a split in its ranks. However, the party continued to play opposition role, attacking Modi and Fadnavis on and off over policy and political issues. Thackeray's confidante and state industries minister Subhash Desai unilaterally announced cancellation of notification with regard to the proposed development of mega refinery project by the Centre in the coastal Kongan region. CM Fadnavis stepped in and clarified that notification stays and hinted that he is the boss.

In the run-up to the poll, Shiv Sena will have to focus on consolidation in all 48 Lok Sabha and 288 assembly constituencies while matching with BJP's aggressive poll strategy being implemented at the level of 90,000 booths. It is high time the party further strengthen the shakhas (party units), delegating the office-bearers more powers and freedom to increase presence.

A Sena minister, who did not want to be named, told DNA, "Party will have to win over voters not just on Hindutva plank but by accommodating people from cross sections. The old guards will have to take a back seat giving opportunity to young brigade. Modi bashing may not be enough to win votes as the party will have to offer an alternative growth model to hoist saffron flag atop Vidhan Bhavan."