NCP seeks post-poll alliance with Congress for Kolhapur civic body

NCP has sought a post-poll pact with the Congress to stake claim for power in the 77-member Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC).

Congress has emerged as the single largest party with 31 seats while NCP and the Jan Surajya Shakti party who fought the election together bagged 29.

Maharashtra Pradesh NCP president Madhukar Pichad has written to his Congress counterpart Manikrao Thakre saying the two parties should come together to provide a good civic administration.

"Even though we fought the elections separately, the two parties cannot stake claim for power individually," he wrote.

Pichad said if the Congress agrees to the proposal, the post-poll pact could be further worked out.

However, sources in the Congress said it was unlikely that the party would accept the proposal.

"Thakre would consult senior leaders in the state as well as in Delhi after Diwali on the issue of post-poll alliance with NCP," sources said.

According to them, the Congress had claim power with the help of seven independents. "NCP's help is not required. But, a final decision is yet to be taken," sources added.

"Congress will have to take a decision on the mayor's post and will discuss the issue with local factions led by MLA Satej Patil and MLC Mahadeo Mahadik," sources said.