Mumbai (PTI) The Congress in Maharashtra on Friday said the state unit has conveyed its views on alliance with NCP for the upcoming Assembly elections to the central leadership and a decision is expected soon.

"We have held discussions with AICC General Secretary in charge of the state A K Antony, AICC Secretaries Mohan Prakash and Pravin Rashtrapal on the issue. They will consult AICC President Sonia Gandhi and her Political Advisor Ahmed Patel soon and announce the party's stand on alliance with NCP," State Congress President Manikrao Thakre said.

The state unit has requested the leadership to take a decision on whether or not alliance with Sharad Pawar's outfit will continue so that preparations for the polls, likely in September-October, can be expedited, he told reporters here.

The MPCC chief said his ongoing `Sampark Abhiyan' (contact programme), covering all the 228 Assembly constituencies, is aimed at strengthening the party.

"Workers are very well aware that we will have to make compromises in terms of seat adjustments if there is an alliance with the NCP. If there is no alliance, we have to be ready to contest all the 288 seats," he said.

Mr. Thakre said so far he has covered 23 Assembly segments in Konkan and 35 in North Maharashtra. The Marathwada leg of the tour will start from Aurangabad on July 12 in the presence of Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.

Also see