Maharashtra Congress leaders meet Sharad Pawar; mull Sena alliance

In wake of BJP-Shivsena impasse over 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, “ meeting was to discuss strategy of alliance partners (NCP and Congress) in view of 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 NCP's newly-elected MLAs met, a huge banner erected outside party office said Maharashtra's history has shown that it never bows before "throne of Delhi".

Amidst situation, Prithviraj Chavan later said in case Sena sends any proposal over government formation in Maharashtra to Congress, same will be conveyed to opposition party's central leadership. BJP and Shivsena still at loggerheads over quantum of power-sharing, a week after results for October 21 Assembly election were anunced. Looking at situation, re appeared to be headway in government formation in Maharashtra. 

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

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

Raut also said that re is need for Amit Shah to interfere in our state matter. ministers of state are eligible to take decisions. Anyways, Amit Shah entrusted state leaders but y failed in mediation. NDA constituents BJP and Shiv Sena are at present sparring over government formation and sharing of chief ministerial post.

READ: Sanjay Raut takes a jibe at BJP, says ' Dushyant in Maharashtra'

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