Dismissed Sena Minister Ganesh Naik has already declared that he will launch a new political outfit before the Nagpur session and that he enjoys the support of at least a dozen Sena Legislators. The Sena also fears trouble from Gulabrao Gawande and Suresh Navale during the session beginning December 14.

During an informal chat with mediapersons today on the occasion of his 61st birthday, Joshi said, ``It will be a small expansion.'' However, he declined to give the names of those who would be included during the expansion, the fifth after the alliance came to power on March 14, 1995.

According to a senior Sena leader, the Chief Minister will induct at least six Legislators, three Independents, two from the Sena and one from the BJP.

Laughing off threat from Independents, he said, ``In fact there is no threat to thealliance Government from the Independent Legislators. However, if three new Independents are inducted into the Cabinet, then it will be further strengthened.

Then the strength of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, including the Independent Legislators, will reach 148 in the House of 288. In that event, we will not require the support of any other Independent Legislator to save the Government from a no-confidence motion.''

``We do not think that he (Naik) has support of more than three to four Legislators. However, if he has more number of Legislators, then certainly it is a matter of concern for the alliance Government. We will have to crush the rebellion immediately,'' the Sena leader said.

The party fears that Naik may not hesitate to ask his supporters to quit the Assembly to put the Government in trouble. ``We know that he is in constant touch with senior Congress leader Sharad Pawar to draft a strategy against the alliance Government. But, we will ensure that barring two to three Legislators includingNaik, none of our party Legislators will quit the party and join hands with the rebel leader,'' he added.