Sonia Gandhi not ready to offer support to Shiv Sena

Sonia Gandhi, chief of the Congress has dismissed reports of support to Shiv Sena for forming government in Maharashtra, as per reports, denying the latter's leverage over ally BJP.

Sonia Gandhi, chief of the Congress has dismissed resports of support to Shiv Sena for forming government in Maharashtra, as per reports, denying the latter's leverage over ally BJP. On Monday evening Sonia Gandhi met with ally Maharashtra Sharad Pawar, who is in favor of the alliance to prevent the BJP from coming to power in the state.Although nothing was said about what happened at the meeting, Mr Pawar spoke about another meeting will soon happen, which means that the meeting held on Monday did not have a positive outcome.

The Shiv Sena, engaged in a war with the BJP over the post of chief minister, has indicated that it has no problems in forming government with the Nationalist Congress Party and Congress. Sena's Sanjay Raut met the Governor on Monday and he stated that they talked about the political situation in the state.

Shiv Sena has also sent out feelers to the NCP. Mr. Raut met Sharad Pawar earlier although he said it was a courtesy call after Diwali. Mr. Pawar's nephew and leader Ajit Pawar said that Mr. Raut also reached out to him on Sunday.

Sources in the Congress said that Sonia Gandhi has completely dismissed any support to Sena. She gave a "polite political no" to Mr Pawar's suggestions, sources said.

Mr Pawar told reporters, following the meeting, that Sena-BJP war was their' internal issue' and did not have' any assurance' from the Sena. But he also acknowledged that he does not have the numbers to form government but is prepared to sit in the opposition.

Regarding his visit, he stated that Congress and the NCP leaders had  "discussed the way ahead, and it was decided to brief leadership in Delhi... My visit was in this regard".

The Maharashtra Assembly term shall end on 8 November and the Rule of the President may be proclaimed in the State, unless a new government is formed before that.

"Whoever has the mandate, will form the government. I cannot advise Governor. He will take his own decision," said Mr. Raut today.