Maharashtra’s next Government will be led by the Shiv Sena and the common minimum programme (CMP) being worked  out along with the Congress and the NCP ahead of its formation will  be in the “State’s interest”, said party spokesman Sanjay Raut on Friday.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led saffron party will lead the Government  in Maharashtra for the next “25 years” and not just five years, claimed  Raut while talking to reporters here.

The Rajya Sabha MP, who turned 58 on Friday, was responding to questions  on whether his party will share the Chief Minister’s post with the  NCP and the Congress, its allies in the prospective three-party Government.

“Talks are on with the Congress and the NCP to work out a common  minimum programme which will be in the interest of the State and  its people,” he said.

“Whether it is a single party Government or an alliance, an agenda  for governance is necessary. There are infrastructure projects to  be taken forward, (and issues related to) drought,unseasonal rains  (are to be tackled).

“Those coming with us are experienced administrators. We will benefit  from their experience,” he said.

Regarding alliance with the Congress, the Sena’s political rival  till recently, Raut said leaders of the country’s oldest party have  contributed to freedom struggle as well as development of Maharashtra.               

Asked whether the Sena will share the CM’s post on a rotational  basis in the next dispensation, Raut said, “We want to have the chief  minister’s post for the next 25 years. The Shiv Sena will provide  leadership to the state no matter who tries best to stop it.”