NCP, coalition partner in the democratic front government in Maharashtra, today said it was compelled to form the alliance with Congress for keeping the communal forces away.
"Yes (it is our need to go with them)... We need to keep the communal forces away," party spokesperson Nawab Malik said at a press conference here, replying to a question.
He also said that Congress and NCP should dislodge Shiv Sena-BJP from local bodies, wherever they are in power.
"To keep away the communal forces, secular parties should come together," he said.
Malik also said in the present coalition era, no party can get a clear-cut majority.
About the seat-sharing for the coming Lok Sabha polls, Malik said that NCP chief Sharad Pawar and senior leader Praful Patel had told the state unit that the current 22 (NCP) - 26 (Congress) formula would continue.
State Congress has demanded more seats this time.
