Congress, NCP logjam continues, another meeting to be held this evening

With no end in sight to the logjam between the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) over the seat sharing arrangements in the upcoming Maharashtra legislative assembly elections, NCP leader Praful Patel on Tuesday said that his party will have another discussion with the Congress this evening.

"The Congress and the NCP discussed the upcoming Maharashtra elections and we will again have a discussion this evening. There will be a discussion on exchange of seats and many other things," said Patel.

Sounding a warning note to the Congress, the former Civil Aviation Minister said, "It may be our last meeting, but I'm not sure yet. As far as the discussion is concerned, we have talked about many things."

Patel explained that their demand for the number of seats was public and they stood by it. "Whatever will be there after discussion, we will speak out," he added.

Earlier today, the meeting between Congress and NCP leaders, held in Maharashtra to resolve the deadlock over the seat sharing issue, proved to be inconclusive with Congress' Narayan Rane saying that the discussion will be resumed in the evening.

Further, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that both sides need to make equal efforts to arrive at an agreeable formula.

"The last dates for the elections are approaching. So, obviously, it is a matter of one to two days before a final good comprehensive decision is taken. I am very hopeful and confident that the coalition that has worked miracles for three times, will do it again the fourth time. The synergy of a coalition is far better and higher than fighting as divided houses. But ultimately one cannot clap with one hand. So, if you cannot clap with two hands, you need to be prepared for the worst," said Singhvi.

The stalemate between the Congress and NCP over seat sharing continues as the latter is not willing to contest in less than 136 seats. The Congress has reportedly offered only 125 seats to its ally, keeping the rest of the seats with itself of a total of 288 seats.

Polling in Maharashtra is scheduled to be held on October 15. The counting of votes will take place on October 19.