Admitting that initial trends indicate a close fight in the Maharasthra assembly poll, Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today said the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance was in touch with rebels who could play a key role
in government formation.

However, he said he would wait till the last round of counting was over before deciding the future strategy towards forming the new government.

"Our leaders are in touch with them; they are also in touch with us," Shinde told reporters in Mumbai in an obvious
reference to rebels.

Asked who was the probable candidate for chief ministership if the alliance returned to power, Shinde said the issue will be decided by consensus by the elected representatives.

The Maharashtra chief minister said he was firm on his decision to not contest any more assembly poll. "I have already
said I would not like to be in state politics after the age of 60, and I stick by the decision" he said.

Complete coverage: Maharashtra assembly election