A potentially explosive political situation seems to be brewing in the state, with the Shiv Sena declaring that talks with its pre-poll alliance partner were off, and NCP's Ajit Pawar hinting at a surprise in the days to come. Almost two weeks after the election results were announced, the alliance partners continue to be locked in a battle over the chief minister's chair.

On Sunday, both partners, however, were quick to reach out to farmers in the hinterland who have been badly affected by the unseasonal rain. The public outreach emerged as a top priority because of the bad press the warring BJP and Sena have been receiving. The BJP is learned to have offered the Sena some more powerful portfolios, which the latter has declined.