Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief
Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday expressed optimism that the
Congress-NCP alliance would continue for the ensuing assembly
elections to be held later this year.
"Always be optimistic..." he told reporters when
asked if the two parties are preparing to contest elections
separately.
The senior NCP leader said due to delimitation of
constituencies, both parties are in the process of conducting
internal assessments and reviewing their individual strengths
and weakenesses in each of the assembly segments.
"When we sit across the table to discuss seat sharing,
it would be easier. Similarly, the two parties have begun the
process of preparing manifesto. We will sit together and
finalise the joint manifesto once the formal decision on seat
sharing is announced," Bhujbal said.
Chief MInister Ashok Chavan said the decision on
whether to continue the alliance is in the "final stages" and
would be announced shortly.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, August 29, 2009, 17:31