MUMBAI:

kept up his tough posture on Thursday even as Sena MLAs met the governor apparently to discuss loss to farmers caused by unsreasonal rain. The Sena and

had earlier met the governor separately on Monday.

Uddhav, addressing MLAs at Sena Bhavan in the afternoon, said the Sena would have talks with BJP provided the BJP admits that a "50:50" power-sharing deal had been reached between the allies prior to the

polls. On Fadnavis' statement that the BJP had given no assurance about sharing the CM's post, Uddhav said, "What's the point in having further talks if you (BJP) are not admitting the formula had been finalized? The CM should not have spoken like that when only three of us, myself, Amit Shah and Devendraji, were part of that meeting."

Thackeray also insisted the CM's post was the Sena's dream. "I run a political party and if I wish there should be a Sena CM, what's wrong with it? It is my insistence, and I will do it with the help of you all." Reiterating he could not resolve the BJP's problems always, Uddhav said, "One cannot sit in the CM's chair forever" and noted that the Sena also had other options and was in touch with the Congress and NCP.

Uddhav also said he had not received any proposal from the BJP offering the Sena the deputy CM's post and 13 ministerial posts.

Also, barely two days after Fadnavis took exception to Saamna's hostile anti-BJP tone, the Sena mouthpiece on Thursday urged the CM to honour Sena's 50:50 formula, including sharing of chief ministership for 2.5 years each. "

is known for its aggressive nature. This gives us the strength to fight. Those who are ready for a combat will not be deterred by crises," said Saamna.

There were reports earlier that the BJP had asked Matoshree not to include Saamna executive editor Sanjay Raut in the Sena leaders' panel to hold government formation talks.

In an editorial, Saamna said, "In alliance politics, honouring the power-sharing formula is of far greater significance than the actual tally of the seats won... The wick of the 'yuti' (alliance) was lit by trust. This is a matter of trust." The paper noted, "Addressing mediapersons, the CM used the term 'sharing of power.' Those who think CMship doesn't fall under the purview of 'office of power' need lessons in civics. Equal distribution covers everything."

Referring to Fadnavis' statement that everything will go by what has been decided by BJP-Sena, Saamna asked, "If everything has been decided, why this crisis (over 50-50 formula)? If CMship is considered not a power post, why such a stir over it?" It stated, "You don't need to quote scriptures to implement what has been mutually decided. Today, people place their hand on the holy book and utter lies. However, the Sena believes in keeping its promise. This is what Balasaheb (Thackeray) has taught us."