MUMBAI: “We felt that before taking a major decision, more consultation was required, particularly on terms and conditions,” said Congress general secretary Avinash Pande on supporting Shiv Sena for government formation in Maharashtra. However, he added, “We are hopeful Maharashtra will have a government comprising Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP. We have not rejected the proposal.’’

On Monday evening, Sena leader Aditya Thackeray, accompanied by legislature party leader Eknath Shinde, submitted a letter to Koshyari, saying the party has the support of legislators required for government formation and sought time. But Thackeray failed to produce letters of support, and Koshyari rejected the plea for extension of time. “Governor expressed his inability to give any further extension,” an official release said.

Monday started with Sena’s only Union minister Arvind Sawant resigning from PM Modi’s government in Delhi, signalling the exit of BJP’s oldest ally from NDA. It was a condition NCP had set, and soon Thackeray, who was emerging as a CM candidate, met with Sharad Pawar in a city hotel.

In New Delhi, the Congress Working Committee met to discuss supporting a Sena-led government. It seemed inconclusive, and soon Thackeray called Sonia and in a seven-minute conversation is said to have sought Congress support. But this and Pawar’s interactions with Sonia and Ahmed Patel did not bring a positive result. Congress held another meeting with state leaders, and then tersely released a letter saying it needed to hold more talks with ally NCP before deciding on its course of action.

On, Tuesday, NCP will have to play its cards. “Ajit Pawar received call from Raj Bhavan in the evening. When he went there, he was handed a letter asking to indicate his willingness for formation of government within 24 hours,” party spokesperson Nawab Malik said. He was non-committal on whether NCP will seek support of Congress and Sena. “I am not sure if Shiv Sena will extend support to us,” said Malik.

AICC general secretary Pande felt that Raj Bhavan has not rejected Sena’s claim, it has only declined to grant extension for submitting letters of support. “In our opinion, Shiv Sena’s claim still stands and Raj Bhavan will have to accept if Shiv Sena submits supporting documents,” said Pande.

After meeting the governor, Aaditya Thackeray said: “We have shown the willingness to form government and had asked the governor for more time as the two parties we are in talks with are yet to complete their procedure. Our demand for an extension was rejected, but our claim stands.”



In Video: Unsure of Shiv Sena support, NCP to play its cards today