Takes two hands to clap, says Abhishek Singhvi on resolving NCP-Congress poll impasse

Commenting on the tussle between the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress Party over seat sharing arrangements in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said Tuesday 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 seat sharing issue between the Congress-NCP alliance for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls may be resolved today as both parties are scheduled to meet in Mumbai to take a final decision on the matter.

The NCP had earlier given a one day ultimatum to the Congress to finalise the seat sharing deal.

The stalemate between the Congress and NCP over seat sharing continued 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 to contest in the upcoming state Assembly polls.

During the 2009 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Congress had contested in 174 seats while the NCP had fought in 114 seats.

The polling for 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra is scheduled to be held on October 15. The counting of votes will take place on October 19.

After the Congress-NCP meeting today, core committees of both parties will meet again in the afternoon.