Maharashtra deadlock: Devendra Fadnavis to meet Amit Shah today

21:10 November 04

'Responsibility of forming govt is with BJP,' NCP chief Sharad Pawar

 Amid the reports of alliance with Shiv Sena, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that the responsibility of forming the Government in Maharashtra is with BJP.

After the meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar clarified to the media that Shiv Sena has not sought any support from his party to form the Government, but asserted that he can't say "what will happen in the future."

Pawar said, "The BJP is responsible for forming the Government in Maharashtra as they along with their ally have the numbers. Shiv Sena chief Udhav Thackrey or anyone else in the party has sought the NCP support."

"The mandate given by the people of Maharashtra to NCP is to sit in the opposition, but you cannot speak about the future," he added. However, he completely denied of his come back as Maharashtra CM.

His meeting with Sonia Gandhi lasted over an hour, in which the two leaders discussed the possibilities of Congress and NCP supporting Shiv Sena in case it decides to move out of its alliance with BJP, said Sources.

The 30 years-old alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena locked in a bitter dispute this time over sharing of powers in the state. In the polls, BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena-56, NCP-54 and Congress-44.

17:45 November 04

Sharad Pawar reaches Sonia Gandhi's residence

Sharad Pawar reaches Sonia Gandhi's residence

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar arrives at Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi's residence.

The leaders of the two allies are expected to discuss the unfolding political situation in Maharashtra. They may clarify their stand after the meeting whether to support the Shiv Sena, which is unhappy with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its ally.

07:37 November 04

Pawar, Sonia may meet, take up Maharashtra today

New Delhi: Amid the stalemate over government formation in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar is likely to arrive here on Monday to meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi.

The leaders of the two allies are expected to discuss the unfolding political situation in Maharashtra. They may clarify their stand after the meeting whether to support the Shiv Sena, which is unhappy with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its ally.

All top leaders of the Congress from Maharashtra have met Sonia Gandhi and briefed her about the developments. They have also met Pawar.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar said in Mumbai that Pawar might meet Sonia Gandhi.

While some Congress leaders, like Hussain Dalwai, MP, are openly advocating extending support to the Sena for forming the government; others, like Sanjay Nirupam, are advising caution.

Meanwhile, amid the stalemate, the Shiv has claimed support of 175 legislators.