After much-squabbling, the BJP and Shiv Sena have decided, in principle, to contest local self-government polls in the 212 smaller cities and towns in the 25 districts.

Sources said the arrangement that was announced yesterday wasn’t applicable to all towns because of local politics. “The alliance will be certain in places where both parties are weak and need each other, but in places where there will be a clash over current strength in the Assembly, Lok Sabha or respective civic council, the equations may change,” said a senior BJP leader.