Cong should not back Maha govt sans shot at CM post: Athawale

Congress should t back Shiv Sena and NCP in government formation in Maharashtra if it is t going to get chief minister's post on a rotational basis, Union minister Ramdas Athawale said on Thursday. Athawale's comments came amid reports Shiv Sena and NCP may share chief ministerial post for two-and-a-half years in government that Congress is likely to join as third player and may get deputy chief minister's post.

BJP rejected Shiv Sena's demand for rotational chief ministership

Congress and NCP are at present in process of forging ties with Shiv Sena to form government in state, which is under President's rule since vember 12. Shiv Sena, which contested October 21 Maharashtra Assembly polls with BJP, walked away from its ally over issue of sharing chief ministerial post on a rotational basis for two-and-half years. BJP had rejected Shiv Sena's demand for rotational chief ministership.

Congress should "rethink" supporting government

Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54, and 44 seats, respectively, in 288-member house. "Only Shiv Sena and NCP will get post on a rotational basis in ir government to be formed with help of Congress," a statement quoted Athawale as saying. Athawale, a BJP ally, said Congress should "rethink" supporting government being planned if it is to remain content with deputy chief minister's post.

READ | Congress big winner? Cong-Sena-NCP decide on '14-14-11' ministerial formula: Sources

"Congress should t support new alliance if it is t going to get chief minister's post. Congress is a national party. It should pitch for sharing post by Shiv Sena for two years and one-and-half years each by NCP and Congress," RPI (A) chief added. Dalit leader had earlier pitched for forming a government led by BJP, single largest party with 105 seats, in state.

READ | Shiv Sena's sena-esque warning against horse-traders: 'Will break legs, smash heads'

Prithviraj Chavan's statement

Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday said in Delhi that his party and NCP have "complete unanimity" on all issues concerning government formation in Maharashtra and y will w hold talks with Shiv Sena to "finalise architecture of alliance". Congress and NCP will hold deliberations with its pre-poll allies here on Friday before meeting Shiv Sena.

READ | Step-ally Sena? Congress-NCP unanimous: 'Will meet pre-poll allies first, n Shiv Sena'

READ | Shiv Sena reiterates its demand, seeks Bharat Ratna for Savarkar, Birsa Munda in LS