MASSIVE | Sonia Gandhi greenlights alliance with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra: Sources

In a massive development after days of confusion over government formation in Maharashtra, sources on Wednesday confirmed that interim Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has agreed to an alliance with Shiv Sena. After rounds of talks with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and negotiations with Sena, sources said that Sonia Gandhi has finally given a d to alliance. 

Soon after development, NCP's Rajya Sabha MP Majeed Memon has spoken to Republic TV and has confirmed about alliance. This comes even after Maharashtra Congress workers have urged party chief Sonia Gandhi to t go ahead with an alliance with saffron party--Shiv Sena. As per reports, state leadership of Congress party had earlier written to party chief saying same.

READ: Here's what Sonia Gandhi said when asked about Maharashtra in Parliament House

Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday refused to comment on progress being made in formation of a new government in Maharashtra. Her response came as Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut exuded confidence that a government led by his party will be in place by next month in Maharashtra. Addressing media, Sena spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday morning said, " process to form government will complete in next 5-6 days and a popular and strong government will be formed in Maharashtra before December. process is going on."

READ: SCOOP: Shiv Sena netas want to take chances; seek Uddhav as CM face, t Aaditya

Political crisis in Maharashtra 

After assembly elections, Mahayuti alliance partners - BJP and Shiv Sena had a fallout over chief minister's position in State. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said that chief minister's position should be equally divided between parties as per 50:50 formula. However, BJP leader and former CM Devendra Fadnavis denied any such formula. Both parties are w eyeing to form next government separately in Maharashtra -which is currently under President's rule.

Mahayuti alliance swept Maharashtra on October 24, winning a combined tally of 161 (BJP- 105, Sena -56), while NCP won 54 seats and Congress secured 45 seats.

READ: Sena's Arvind Sawant loses front row seat in Lok Sabha after his resignation

READ: SCOOP: Maharashtra Congress urges Sonia Gandhi to t ally with Shiv Sena