WITH CONGRESS performing well at the hustings in Maharashtra and leading in many Assembly constituencies, the state party leaders have expressed confidence that they will form the next government. Congress and NCP are leading in 126 constituencies, while opposition BJP-Shiv Sena is leading in 99 constituencies.

Congress Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said that party was quite hopeful of forming the next government and beat the anti-incumbency factor. He also said that Congress will emerge as the single largest party in Maharashtra.

It is expected that Congress-NCP alliance could win 141 seats in the state and stake claim for forming the next government.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders admitted that the party had not performed well in Maharashtra. They said that the party is going through tough times and there was need to change strategy. The NCP has also suffered a setback in Maharashtra, where the party's performance had dropped as compared to last elections.

NCP leaders, however, said that the party will bounce back and emerge stronger in the coming days.