Both parties had on Tuesday shown signs of a rapprochement with Shiv Sena MP and spokesman Sanjay Raut saying, "The blood group of BJP and Shiv Sena is the same.'

He had rubbished media reports that Sena was demanding deputy chief minister's post and some key portfolios as pre-condition for a reunion between the former saffron allies. 

The BJP leadership has been insisting that Sena join the government but without any pre-conditions.

Newly-appointed BJP general secretary in-charge of the state J P Nadda too indicated that the former allies could reunite when he said, "We want that Sena come with us. It is our desire. A positive result will emerge soon.'

Meanwhile, BJP sources said a "slim and trim' ministry will be sworn in on Friday.

Pic: The cartoon in the Hindu today indicating that the Sena's calculations went terribly wrong