Congress and NCP were driving a hard bargain today as the two prepared for a crucial meeting tomorrow that was likely to finalise seat-sharing arrangement for October 15 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Racing against time, both sides gave positive signals on working out a deal to salvage their 15-year-old alliance that has seen them in power in the key state since 1999.
At the AICC briefing, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi downplayed speculation about a break-up saying, "We are hopeful and we want the alliance to continue and high level-talks are on."
He also said that both are "responsible political parties".
NCP leader Praful Patel tweeted "positive decision is expected in tomorrow's meet with the leaders of #Congress".
"We have nothing to do with Shiv Sena-BJP. It's been long time since we are demanding additional seats", he said adding, "We have taken good care to protect our alliance with Congress."
At the same time, he let it be known that the talks tomorrow would not be about the proposal of 124 seats sent by the Congress.
"In 2004, we had contested on 124 seats, therefore, no discussion will take place over those seats. Discussion with Congress is expected over 144 seats demanded by us," he said.
However, the refrain of central Congress leaders was that the NCP should not rock the boat by making unreasonable demands given the fact that both Congress and NCP have lost in the Lok Sabha polls in the state.
A section of the state leaders were, however, wary of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who they alleged was against the alliance and wants to become the next Chief Minister.
Sources said that Congress, which was earlier inclined to give 124 seats, has not made up its mind to increase to 130 to 132. The NCP had contested on 114 of 288 assembly seats in the state in 2009 Assembly polls while it had contested on 124 seats in 2004.
Earlier in the day, the Central Election Committee of Congress held discussions on all the 288 Assembly segments in the state alone but made it clear that it will take a decision only after NCP makes its stand known on the tie-up.
