Mumbai, Dec 24: A crucial two-day convention of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a key ally in the Congress-led democratic Front (DF) government in Maharashtra, begins here today in the backdrop of resignation by its leader Chhagan Bhujbal as Deputy Chief Minister.

The meeting, to be held at NCP office in south Mumbai, will be chaired by NCP chief Sharad Pawar and is likely to prepare a road map for next year's elections and discuss alliance with the Congress.
The meeting, which will begin at 1430 hrs, will deliberate on among other things the political situation in the state, pre-poll alliance with the congress in view of the assembly polls next year, performance of party ministers in the Shinde government and steps to rectify the damage caused to the party in the wake of the fake stamp scam.
Pawar has given time till December 31 to the Congress to decide on a pre-poll alliance.
NCP leaders have already said the party would give a befitting reply to opposition for levelling ''baseless allegations'' against Bhujbal in the fake stamp scam.
Pawar had already given a clean chit to Bhujbal, who had resigned yesterday owing moral responsibility for an attack on the office of the Zee TV here. The Bhujbal resignation will also figure in the meeting.
The meeting is likely to decide Bhujbal's successor. Probable names expected to be discussed for the crucial post include that of NCP ministers Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil, R R Patil, Ajit Pawar, Dilip Walse-Patil and Madhukar Pichad, party sources said.
However, the final decision on this issue will be taken by Pawar.
Over 130 delegates, including NCP legislators and members of parliament, are taking part in the convention.
Bureau Report