NCP, Congress to discuss Maharashtra govt formation
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar will discuss all aspects pertaining to government formation in Maharashtra with the three emissaries sent by Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday, the NCP said.
Congressmen Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and K.C. Venugopal have reached Mumbai and shall meet Pawar and other party leaders to finalise the nitty-gritty of government formation, said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.
“We have no majority. Without the three parties (including Shiv Sena) coming together, no government is possible. But whatever decision is taken will be only in consultation with the Congress,” Malik told mediapersons.
NCP Legislature Party leader Ajit Pawar also made it clear that the party would not be in a position to take a stand unless the Congress responded.
Earlier, Malik said at a meeting of all 54 NCP legislators and party leaders, it was decided to authorise party chief Sharad Pawar to take all necessary decisions pertaining to government formation, set up a committee for the purpose and end the political uncertainty in the state.
“Among the speakers were state NCP President Jayant Patil, Ajit Pawar and others. The legislators were also informed of the status and progress of discussions with the Congress,” Malik added amidst speculation of President’s Rule.
The NCP, the third largest party after the elections, has been invited by Governor B.S. Koshyari to attempt to form the government and inform him by 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday.