Maharashtra politics LIVE Updates: Pawar claims 'Did not talk about Shiv Sena with Sonia'

The political situation in Maharashtra remains in shambles with the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress still ambiguously holding discussions over the formula and the nitty-gritty of a probable alliance. After a bitter fallout with the BJP over rotational CM position, Shiv Sena has turned to ideologically differing NCP-Congress to form a government in the state and reiterated their demand for the Chief Minister post. 

Amid political uncertainties, earlier on Tuesday, NCP patron Sharad Pawar took an astounding U-turn over an alliance with the Shiv Sena, saying, "What talks?"  He added, "BJP-Shiv Sena fought together, we (NCP) and Congress fought together. They have to choose their path and we will do our politics."

However, Pawar has confirmed that he would be meeting with the Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi in the national capital on Tuesday evening. In the crucial meeting, the heads of two parties are likely to discuss the next course of action in the politically dismembered Maharashtra. Post the elections, the Mahayuti alliance of BJP-Shiv Sena broke after the saffron party had disagreements over the 50:50 formula and rotational Chief Minister position.

In Maharashtra, parties have been holding marathon meetings to ponder on the government formation in the state. Maharashtra came under the President's rule after the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP failed to form a government. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the state with 105 seats in 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. 
 

Sharad Pawar arrives at Sonia Gandhi's residence in New Delhi. 

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale in a big claim said that he was told by Home Minister Amit Shah that the Maharashtra government would be formed soon. The RPI chief further said that he has asked the Shiv Sena to compromise on the rotational chief minister position. 

He said, "Had a word with Sanjay Raut, and told him to compromise. I have asked him for a 3:2 years (3 for BJP, 2 for Shiv Sena) Chief Minister post. I will have a word with BJP now."

READ| Ramdas Athawale: 'Shiv Sena should sit with BJP in NDA, not in Opposition' 

As the NCP and Congress party are exploring ways to form a government in Maharashtra in alliance with Shiv Sena, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind in a letter has denounced the move by calling it "unfortunate." In a letter addressed to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind that an alliance with Shiv Sena is "very dangerous" and "harmful" for the grand old party. 

Congress national spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday said Sharad Pawar met with Sonia Gandhi and briefed her on the political situation in Maharashtra. He further said that in a couple of days, the delegation of Congress and NCP will meet in Delhi and discuss the next course of action.

Sharad Pawar addressed a press brief after meeting with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

He said, "I met Sonia. We discussed in detail about Maharashtra's political situation. I briefed her on it. Mr. AK Antony was also there. Certain leaders of both(Congress-NCP) parties will meet and discuss further and get back to us." 

When questioned on forming a government in alliance with Shiv Sena, Pawar said, "We did not speak of forming a government with anyone. We did not speak of if we should with someone."