Negotiations are said to be moving forward in the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress camps albeit with a sense of mistrust because the Sena hasn't yet snapped ties with the BJP. It said on Thursday that they were not against Narendra Modi, but despised Amit Shah for 'speaking lies' on the assurance of the CM's post. Another factor that has added to the confusion is the pressure tactics of the Congress and NCP who have upped their ante for further gain in a prospective government.

Insiders said that a formula for sharing power in the khichdi government was being worked out to have a balanced representation for all constituents. Though Sena's demand for having the CM's post for five years remains a bone of contention, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party is confident that it should be able to fulfil its dream if NCP and Congress get a deputy CM each, with lucrative portfolios at their disposal.