The deadlock on formation of the new government in Maharashtra continues with no progress in talks on the portfolio allocation between the alliance partners NCP and Congress. While the NCP is demanding to stick to 99 formulas, the Congress is insisting on the strength of the parties in the assembly. The chief negotiator of the NCP and Union Minister Mr. Praful Patel is likely to hold discussion with the congress leadership in New Delhi today. After the arrival from two day foreign visit Mr. Praful Patel last evening met the party chief Mr. Sharad Pawar and held discussions on the future course for formation of the coalition government. Our correspondent adds that Congress party is keen to retain home, finance, power and rural development portfolios besides eyeing the post of Speaker. The party sources say that the coalition partners have agreed to a broader formula for the formation of the government which has to be in place in any case by Tuesday.<br/><br/> <br/>