NCP to support BJP government in Maharashtra

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said Sunday it will offer legislative support to a BJP government in Maharashtra for the "welfare" of the state.

Speaking after the election results produced a hung assembly, NCP leader Praful Patel said his party was ready to offer "outside support" to a Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state.

"...the BJP is the single largest party. We have decided to extend outside support to it so that it can form a government," Patel told reporters here.

The NCP has taken the decision for the "welfare of Maharashtra", he added.

"Since the BJP is in power (at the central government), a BJP government in the state will be in favour of Maharashtra," the former union minister said.