MUMBAI: The BJP is still hoping that the Shiv Sena will join the government but “may even approach the NCP” for support in case its pre-poll ally chooses not to cooperate, a senior BJP cabinet member said on condition of anonymity. The BJP may not stake claim to form the government on Friday if it is not confident of winning the floor test, the cabinet member said.“The BJP leadership has made it clear that if there is no clear majority, we should not attempt to form the government. We know we do not have the numbers. We are still hoping the Sena will come to our rescue. We may even approach the NCP as it had helped us in 2014. If we fail in our experiments, it will not be advisable to stake claim. We do not want an embarrassing situation if the confidence motion is defeated on the floor of the House,” the cabinet member said.The cabinet member said after the October 24 poll results, numerous efforts were to persuade the Sena to join, but there has been no response from their ally. “We feel that the Sena’s demand is unrealistic as, out of 288 seats, it has secured 56 seats against 105 won by BJP,” he said.The cabinet member said the BJP is sure the governor will explore all possibilities for government formation before Saturday.“As per convention, he will have to first invite the single largest party, followed by the second, third and fourth largest parties. After all options are exhausted, he can recommend President’s rule,” he said.