BJP-Sena work out Maha formula,Cong-NCP talks yet to begin

The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance has nearly finalised their seat-sharing formula,continuing with their old arrangement of 171 for Sena and 117 for BJP,for the 288-member Assembly.

8220;The talks between the parties are over and we would soon make an announcement about the same old formula of 171 seats for Sena and 117 for BJP,8221; Sena sources said in Mumbai.

Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray also made it clear that there are no differences among the parties over seat sharing. However,due to delimitation,a couple of seats need to be studied.

In New Delhi,the sudden death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy is being ascribed as the reason for the delay in talks between the two allies which have been sharing power in the state for the last 10 years.

A section of the Congress leaders are contending that the party could think of a post-poll alliance with NCP like it did after the 1999 polls.

NCP sources in Mumbai expressed unhappiness at the delay in announcement of a poll pact from the Congress side.