'NCP Will Sit In Opposition But Can't Predict Future', Says Pawar After Meeting Sonia In Delhi

The BJP and the Sena are locked in a bitter dispute over the issue, resulting in a stalemate in government formation despite results of the Assembly polls on October 24 giving the saffron alliance a combined seat strength of 161, way past the 145 majority mark in the 288-member House.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar (PIC/PTI)

New Delhi: NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday today met Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence here amidst an impasse between the BJP and its ally the Shiv Sena on the government formation in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Pawar reiterated that the "mandate to NCP given by people is to sit in opposition". However, the astute politician tacitly admitted that "you cannot speak about future". Further, Pawar said that BJP has the responsibility of forming the government in Maharashtra. He denied reports of Shiv Sena chief Udhav Thakeray seeking NCP's support from him. "No",  said Pawar when asked if he will come back as Maharashtra CM. The meeting between Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi was crucial in view of the tussle between the BJP and its ally the Shiv Sena, which is playing hardball on the issue of chief minister's post and demanding an equal division of the top post's tenure. The BJP is not agreeing to the demand. The BJP and the Sena are locked in a bitter dispute over the issue, resulting in a stalemate in government formation despite results of the Assembly polls on October 24 giving the saffron alliance a combined seat strength of 161, way past the 145 majority mark in the 288-member House. In the polls, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena-56, NCP-54 and Congress-44. (With additional information from PTI)