NCP in talks with Congress for Maharashtra Municipal Council polls

MUMBAI (INDIA): NCP today said talks for an alliance with “like-minded parties including Congress” were on in many districts of Maharashtra for the Municipal Council polls to be held on November 27.nnNCP today held a meeting of its office-bearers who are in-charge of districts where the polls are scheduled.nn”Alliance talks with like-minded parties including Congress were on in many districts. A clear picture will emerge after talks between the district unit leaders of both parties (Congress and NCP) conclude before the last date of withdrawal of nominations,” state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare told reporters here.nnNCP candidates will still file their nomination forms for the first phase of the 162nd Municipal Council polls, he said.nn”If an alliance materialises, our candidates will withdraw in some seats,” he added.nnTatkare said a review of political situation and organisational preparedness was taken in today’s meeting.nnHe also said NCP is awaiting response from Congress regarding an alliance for elections of six Legislative Council seats — Jalgaon, Nanded, Sangli-Satara, Yavatmal, Pune and Bhandara-Gondia.nnAccording to Tatkare, NCP’s proposal was that it will retain Sangli-Satara, Yavatmal, Pune and Bhandara-Gondia while Congress should contest Nanded where it has a sitting MLC.nnJalgaon is represented by BJP.nnAsked if Congress had demanded Sangli-Satara, Yavatmal and Bhandara-Gondia, the NCP leader said both the parties have discussed the seat adjustments.nn”We will announce our candidates after response by the Congress,” he added.nnTatkare also announced Smita Raosaheb Patil, daughter of late NCP leader R R Patil, as the president of party’s ‘Yuvati’ wing.nnSource: Press Trust of India