Leaders of both the Congress and NCP on Wednesday claimed that they were close to forming a government in Maharashtra, after a public rap from the Governor.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan was back at work, in an attempt to show that it is business as usual - even without a cabinet.

Governor S C Jamir was forced to intervene because the parties are yet to take charge of the state, two weeks after having won the Assembly election. A press statement asked the parties to respect the mandate and form a government without further delay

Soon after the putdown, the allies said the deadlock would end soon. Chavan even went on to say that a new government could be in place within 48 hours

"There are still a few small differences with the NCP, but we hope to resolve them latest by Thursday morning," he said.

"Now it is just a matter of a few hours," reiterated NCP leader Praful Patel.

The allies also face pressure from the public and opposition. The delay has crippled the state machinery, already running slow for two months now because of the election code of conduct.

Crucial posts like the state director general of police and Mumbai municipal commissioner have not been filled. Major projects like the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan and the extension of the Mumbai sea-link are blocked.

The Congress-NCP thaw is now a necessity, with the allies fast running out on public sympathy.