In Maharashtra, new government assumes office this evening. Chief Minister designate Ashok Chavan has staked claim to form a new government in the state. Mr. Chavan, accompanied by NCP legislature party leader at Chhagan Bhujbal, who will be the Deputy Chief Minister, met the Governor Mr. S.C. Jamir yesterday and handed over the letters of support to stake claim. Our Mumbai correspondent reports that the Congress-NCP alliance has a combined strength of 144 in the 288-member House just one short of a simple majority.<br/><br/>The delay in staking claim was due to the NCP making a strong demand for sticking to the 1999 formula, under which the Congress will get chief minister ship but the NCP will get key portfolios like Home, Finance, Power and PWD.<br/>