Mumbai, Feb. 19 -- NCP president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that he is not surprised by the seat-sharing pact announced by sparring allies, BJP and Shiv Sena.

While talking to media persons here, he said that the electoral understanding between the saffron siblings was a "forgone conclusion".

Overcoming their strained ties, the BJP and the Uddhav Thackeray-led party on Monday announced to contest ensuing Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together.

"There is nothing new in their announcement of fighting polls together," Mr Pawar said.

The BJP and the Sena, which have been alliance partners for over 25 years, were expected to contest jointly, he added. UNI AAA SS HK2209

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