The stalemate between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena, who have been elected with a simple majority to form a government, continued on Friday, with the exception of the development that BJP's national working president is to visit the city. The power-sharing talks are stuck despite many channels working on finding an amicable solution. Apparently, the Sena wants the BJP to take the lead in talks, concede more in terms of lucrative departments, and if possible, agree to share the CM's office between them.

As the day progressed, mid-day learned that senior BJP leader J P Nadda is expected to visit Mumbai on Saturday or the day after. His visit could be a sign of rapprochement. "Naddaji should be meeting Sena leaders, he may even visit the Thackerays," said a senior BJP leader. More than a battle for power, it has now become a war of egos between the leadership of the alliance partners. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray wants BJP leaders to restore his self-respect by withdrawing the statement "he (Uddhav) was not assured the CM's post in the month of February".