Maha: Cong, NCP rule out backing Sena to keep BJP out of power

Chances of another BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra brightened on Friday as opposition Congress and NCP ruled out aligning with the Shiv Sena to keep the BJP out of power.

In the 288-member Assembly, the BJP has won 105 seats, while ally Sena bagged 56. The NCP bagged 54 seats and the Congress emerged victorious in 44 seats. The results for the October 21 poll were declared on Thursday.

Maharashtra Congress president Balasaheb Thorat ruled out joining hands with the Shiv Sena to keep BJP out of power, saying the mandate for his party was to be a responsible opposition.

Addressing a Press conference on Friday, Thorat said the Congress doesn't have a "strategy or a proposal" to back a Shiv Sena-led government.

"So the question of we offering support to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party doesn't arise. If Shiv Sena approaches us, we will seek advice from our central leadership and their decision would be final," he said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar also ruled out any alliance with the Sena. He said, "We will not go with Shiv Sena. NCP- Congress and other allies will decide together the future course of action."