Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut on Wednesday in Mumbai claimed his party will do better than the exit poll forecasts in Maharashtra.

Speaking to reporters here, Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, also said that MNS – Sena's rival in Maharashtra for the Marathi-speakers' votes – would do badly in the polls. To another question, Raut said NDA did not need Sharad Pawar’s support to form the government.

"If any party from Maharashtra is required (to be taken into) NDA, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray will take the final decision," he said.    

To a question on his editorial in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana which was perceived as anti-Gujaratis and triggered controversy, Raut said the stand of the party leadership was acceptable to him. "The chapter is now closed," he said.