Congress to take final decision on Maharashtra after meeting state leaders

Following the conclusion of Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The meeting has concluded. We will meet the state leaders at 4 pm and take a final decision."

Among the state leaders will be Milind Deora and also Sanjay Nirupam who has already hinted at a non-alliance with Shiv Sena.

Taking to Twitter, Nirupam said, "No matter who forms govt and how ? But the political instability in Maharashtra can not be ruled out now. Get ready for early elections. It may take place in 2020. Can we go to the elections with ShivSena as partner?"

After the BJP refused to form the government, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had invited Sena to form the government last night.

NCP leader Nawab Malik said, "We fought the elections in an alliance with the Congress. So we will wait till the Congress takes the final decision. We want to take the decision keeping Congress on the same page."

Earlier, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had refused to ally with Shiv Sena to form the government. "People have given us the mandate to sit in the Opposition," Pawar had said.

NCP leader Praful Patel told media, "The discussion on formation of government is a serious matter so these things should be dealt seriously."

According to governor house officials, Sena has to communicate to the governor by 7:30 pm on Monday.

Following the poll results which came out on Oct 24, the Sena demanded 50:50 power share in the government rotational Chief Ministership which were rejected by the BJP.

In the tally of seats, the BJP has 105 seats, Sena has 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44 respectively.