New Delhi, Nov 20 (UNI) The Congress and the NCP on Wednesday announced that they will form an alliance government along with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra 'as soon as possible' .
Speaking to reporters after a meeting held at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence, and attended by senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikajun Kharge, Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, Prithviraj Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat and NCP leaders Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule, Navab Malik and others, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said,'the NCP-Congress have gone into various aspects of formation of alliance. We have long and very productive discussion today. Some aspects of the alliance are still discuss and we will do it as soon as possible", said Mr Chavan after the meeting.
Mr Malik said that the Congress and the NCP together decided that they must give an alternate government in Maharashtra.
"It is not possible without NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena coming together. We are trying our best to resolve all issues. We will provide alternate govt as soon as possible", he added.
Maharashtra is under President's rule for last one week after BJP declined to form the government after a fallout with its alliance partner Shiv Sena over the power sharing, including Chief Minister post.
The national leaders of Congress and the NCP had convened several meeting including a meeting with Mr Pawar and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
It is learned that Ms Gandhi had given approval for the alliance with the Sena. She had, however, given direction to take the steps with 'cautious'.
Today's meeting took place hours after NCP chief's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over 'drought hit farmers' in Maharashtra.
Mr Pawar had also invited Mr Modi to inaugurate international meet being organised by Pune-based Vasantdada Sugar Institute in January, fuels speculation that possible alliance of BJP-NCP in Maharashtra.
UNI KNA AR 2123