Mumbai, Oct 19 :

Amid indications of a hung assembly, the Shiv Sena Sunday said the next Maharashtra chief minister will be Uddhav Thackeray.

"Whatever happens, the next chief minister would be Sena president Uddhav Thackeray," said party spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut as the results started pouring in.

"In politics, we cannot disclose all the cards right now. We shall make our stand clear this evening," Raut added.

This could put a dampener on ex-ally BJP's efforts to reach out to them. The BJP appeared set to be the single largest party, with majority eluding it in the 288-member house.

BJP hints at recociliation with former ally

BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe Sunday indicated that his party was not averse to a reconciliation with the Shiv Sena, its estranged ally.

"All options are open to form the next government in Maharashtra. The party high command will take a decision in the matter," Sahasrabuddhe told the media.

His comments came as the BJP appeared set to emerge as the single largest party in the 288-member house. The Shiv Sena led in around 60 seats.

(IANS)