Maharashtra Congress leaders meet Sharad Pawar; mull Sena alliance

In the wake of the BJP-Shivsena impasse over the government formation, State Congress President Balasaheb Thorat, Prithviraj Chavan, Ashok Chavan, Sushilkumar Shinde had a meeting with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar at his residence in Mumbai, on Thursday night. Post Raut meeting with NCP chief, several Congress leaders, including Balasaheb Thorat, Ashok Chavan and Prithviraj Chavan, also met Pawar at his residence. 

READ: Sanjay Raut: 'Shiv Sena can get two-third majority, form stable govt'

Sources in Congress said, “The meeting was to discuss the strategy of the alliance partners (NCP and Congress) in view of the current political situation. A part of Congress with leaders like Balasaheb Thorat and Prithviraj Chavan is in favour of Sena tie-up and while Ashok Chavan and Sushilkumar Shinde are against.” As the NCP's newly-elected MLAs met, a huge banner erected outside the party office said Maharashtra's history has shown that it never bows before the "throne of Delhi".

Amidst the situation, Prithviraj Chavan later said in case the Sena sends any proposal over government formation in Maharashtra to the Congress, the same will be conveyed to the opposition party's central leadership. BJP and Shivsena still at loggerheads over the quantum of power-sharing, a week after the results for the October 21 Assembly election were announced. Looking at the situation, there appeared to be no headway in the government formation in Maharashtra. 

READ: Sanjay Raut meets Sharad Pawar after Cong-NCP discuss Sena alliance

Standing firm on its demand for the chief ministerial position, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday says, “The party will not compromise and can form the government without the BJP. The CM will be from Shiv Sena and Maharashtra wants CM from Shivsena. If Uddhav Thackeray has said the CM will be from Sena. Take it in writing, it will be from Shiv Sena.” He further added, “Shiv Sena can get 2/3rd majority to form the government in Maharashtra. Those who don't have the majority should not dare to form the government. The process of government formation in Maharashtra should be as per negotiations prior to the alliance.”

Raut also said that there is no need for Amit Shah to interfere in our state matter. The ministers of state are eligible to take the decisions. Anyways, Amit Shah entrusted state leaders but they failed in mediation. NDA constituents the BJP and the Shiv Sena are at present sparring over government formation and sharing of the chief ministerial post.

READ: Sanjay Raut takes a jibe at BJP, says 'No Dushyant in Maharashtra'

READ: Sanjay Raut to Fadnavis: "Can be CM for 5 years if you have majority"