NCP on Wednesday 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. NCP on Wednesday held a meeting of its office-bearers who are in-charge of districts where the polls are scheduled. "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 in Mumbai. NCP candidates will still file their nomination forms for the first phase of the 162nd Municipal Council polls, he said. "If an alliance materialises, our candidates will withdraw in some seats," he added. Tatkare said a review of political situation and organisational preparedness was taken in Wednesday's meeting. He 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. According 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. Jalgaon is represented by BJP. Asked if Congress had demanded Sangli-Satara, Yavatmal and Bhandara-Gondia, the NCP leader said both the parties have discussed the seat adjustments. "We will announce our candidates after response by the Congress," he added. Tatkare also announced Smita Raosaheb Patil, daughter of late NCP leader R R Patil, as the president of party's 'Yuvati' wing.
