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MUMBAI

Amid the process of forming a new government in Maharashtra discussions and meetings are being held at different levels. On Wednesday Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray met state Congress leaders in Mumbai.

The delegation of Congress leaders including state Congress Chief Balasaheb Thorat, former chief minister Ashok Chavan and Manikrao Thakare discussed modalities of a ‘common minimum programme’ in case the alliance does proceed to form a government.

After the meeting, Mr. Thackeray told media that discussions have started and are moving in the right direction. He, however, refused to comment on whether any timeline has been decided.

On the other hand, State Congress Chief Balasaheb Thorat told reporters that it was just a courtesy meeting, adding that all the aspects of a common minimum program will be finalised with NCP first.

Earlier today, the NCP announced a five-member committee that will have discussions with Congress about a Common Minimum Programme. The committee includes state NCP Chief Jayant Patil along with Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde and Nawab Malik.

Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Ajit Pawar said the party will have detailed discussions with Congress on all aspects of governance, adding that talks with Shiv Sena will be held after Congress and NCP have finalised all the modalities.

Meanwhile, Congress MLAs, staying in Jaipur for the last five days, are likely to return to Mumbai today.