20: The tussle between BJP-Shiv Sena is bad for governance

The Shiv Sena is acting tough with its alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra. It wants the post of chief minister to be shared by the two parties for half of the assembly’s term each. The BJP, having emerged the largest party in the just-concluded state election, wants its leader to occupy that position all through. Some of the Sena’s posturing may be an effort to negotiate a better deal, but it may also reflect a growing concern within the party over its diminishing role in the state as the BJP expands its presence there. If the bickering continues, governance would take a hit. That is not something the electorate would want.