Maharashtra confusion over new government worsens

New Delhi: Even after imposing President's rule in Maharashtra a week ago, the confusion over who will form the next government in the state continues.

The staggered talks initiated by Nationalistic Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar appear inconclusive as he emerged out of a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday evening.

Shiv Sena which appeared confident of going with the NCP and Congress to teach a lesson to the BJP, its pre-poll alliance partner, is still to come out with a concrete proposal before Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to stake claim to form the government.

Neither the NCP nor the Congress is clear on Sena heading a coalition of these parties anytime soon.

Putting a question mark on a Sena-Congress-NCP government formation, Pawar remained non-committal after his talks with Sonia Gandhi, saying they did not discuss supporting any party.

He appeared reluctant, saying repeatedly that they did not discuss government formation. "I had a meeting with Sonia Gandhi, and A K Antony was present.

I briefed her about the political situation of the state (Maharashtra)," said Pawar.

He said the NCP and Congress leaders will meet again to discuss the issues and then report to Sonia Gandhi. Pawar also ruled out any tie-up with the BJP.