Modi's special guarantee for Uddhav

Of late, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conciliatory approach towards Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has resulted in intense speculation about possible post-poll overtures by the BJP, if they fail to get the targeted LS seats in Maharashtra - an outcome which could also alter the political matrix in the State Assembly.

- S BALAKRISHNAN

A dead-give away of the new variables that lie ahead was perhaps an interview Modi gave to TV9, wherein an emotional prime minister started eulogising the late Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena.

Modi claimed he had close ties with the Thackerays, and had "profound admiration" for them. Significantly, he said it was because Balasaheb loved him that he let Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena become the chief minister, though the BJP had a majority of MLAs. It may be recalled that Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP had assumed that he would be made the CM after the downfall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government. However, in a surprise twist in the tale, the BJP's central leadership nominated Shinde the CM.