Tariq Anwar hopeful of NCP-Congress alliance in Maharashtra

Patna, Sept 22: With the Congress and NCP alliance for Maharashtra poll still undecided, NCP General Secretary Tariq Anwar today hoped it would be finalised soon and ruled out any possibility of his party going with BJP or Shiv Sena.

"Talks are moving in a positive direction and we are hopeful the alliance with Congress will be finalised soon," Anwar told reporters here. Asked for deadline, he said "nominations have started so I think next 1-2 days are crucial." Asked if NCP was waiting for the fate of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance talks and about possibility of the party tying up with either of them, Anwar said "I do not see any distant possibility of going with BJP or Shiv Sena."

Justifying NCP demand in Maharashtra, Anwar said in the 2010 Assembly poll Congress was given more seats on the basis of its performance in 2009 Lok Sabha election. "This time situation is different. Since NCP has performed better in the just-concluded parliamentary election we are demanding repeat of the same formula to give more seats to NCP," he said.

On the possibility of NCP going it alone, Anwar said "we have fought last five elections in Maharashtra with Congress and are hopeful of doing so again...but if this do not happen the party will decide the future course of action after discussion with workers."

PTI