Maharashtra election results: Uddhav Thackeray's bargaining power may take a hit

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's decision to align with the BJP despite an acrimonious relationship has turned out to be a wise one. The party has won all but two Lok Sabha seats it contested in the state.
Thackeray can look forward to the alliance continuing for the assembly elections due in October. However, the party's desire for the chief minister's post may remain a pipe dream given the Lok Sabha results, which have only made chief minister Devendra Fadnavis' position stronger.Fadnavis, who shares a cordial relationship with Thackeray, made it a point to acknowledge the latter's contribution to the alliance's spectacular victory in the state.
Thackeray's party may also not be able to play opposition any more while being in government. The Sena chief clearly has no elbow room as BJP has, in the recent past, worked ruthlessly to finish it off. In his own party, Thackeray faces the challenge of many senior leaders making a beeline to the BJP if there is any rift between the two parties. He will need to play a fine balancing act as BJP will not allow Sena to flourish in the state, and rather like in the past may find an opportune moment to cut off the alliance.