Wading into the ongoing power tussle between BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, Union Minister and Revolutionary Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale on Sunday suggested that Shiv Sena should accept the Deputy Chief Minister post for Aaditya Thackeray. He went onto stress that there is less likelihood of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accepting the rotational policy for the CM post, which Shiv Sena has been so vehemently demanding.

While speaking to media, Ramdas Athawale said, "I don't think the BJP will agree for rotational Chief Minister, but the position of Deputy Chief Minister can be given to Shiv Sena for 5 years. I think Shiv Sena should accept the Deputy Chief Minister's position for Aditya Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis should be Chief Minister."

Shiv Sena has demanded a written assurance from the BJP about sharing the CM post for 2.5 years each. In its mouthpiece Saamna, Shiv Sena claimed that despite lesser seat count than the BJP, Sena has the "remote control of power" in Maharashtra.

On this issue, Athawale opined that the BJP and Shiv Sena should come together because they have the mandate of the people. "The NDA did not get that many seats as expected but there is a majority nevertheless," he added.

Ramdas Athawale went on to endorse Devendra Fadnavis as the full-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra and urged the Shiv Sena to accept the Deputy CM post.

"The claim on the chief ministerial post is certainly of the BJP. Shiv Sena says that only 124 seats were given to them. They could also be given ministerial post at the Centre. I would talk to both the parties and ask them to resolve the issue," he said.

The RPI leader also said that a decision on this issue will be taken in the next four to five days. It should be noted that a delegation each from BJP and Shiv Sena is likely to meet Maharashtra Governor separately on Monday.