Dismissing the BJP's outreach to its allies in the wake of recent electoral defeats, the Shiv Sena has toughened its stand over remaining in the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, projecting itself as the next ruling party in Maharashtra.

Sena President Uddhav Thackeray said on Monday that he would ensure that the party forms the state government, and appealed to voters to follow Telangana and Mizoram, where people have preferred regional parties over national parties.