Cong can form govt with third front to stop Modi: Chavan

Asked about increase in voter turnout in the third and the final phase of elections in the state yesterday, he said, "There is a natural phenomenon that the first-time voters have the tendency to vote against the establishment. There is impatience among the youth. However, I don't see any Modi wave."

The senior Congress leader, who has stoked a controversy by stating in a newspaper interview that regional parties should not be allowed to contest the Lok Sabha elections, said his only rationale was it could bring a stable government.

"It (allowing regional parties to contest Lok Sabha polls) is likely to create a political instability. It is something to discuss. Neither I nor the Congress alone can do it (ban regional parties from contesting polls)," he said.

"A constitutional amendment will have to made in this regard. All political parties will have to be consulted. Without their support it cannot be done."

Sharad Pawar-led NCP, alliance partner of Congress in the state, has opposed Chavan's stand.