They may have won the elections, but nearly two weeks later the Congress-NCP in Maharashtra still don't have a government.

The allies continue to squabble over ministries including the crucial home department. The NCP's big faces in Maharashtra - Chhagan Bhujbal, RR Patil and Jayant Patil - all former home ministers.

A portfolio the party has held for ten years despite disasters like the Telgi scam and 26/11.

A department that's become a prestige battle between the allies.

"We will not exchange any department," said Chhagan Bhujbal, NCP leader.

The high profile home department gives the NCP control over the state's law and order machinery and also over crucial police appointments and postings.

Given the NCP's adamance, sources say the Congress is likely to relent in exchange for another crucial portfolio like finance.

But the problems don't end here.

Still no Cabinet

Congress wants to keep 23 ministries and offer the NCP 20. But the NCP has suggested a 22:21 share.

The Congress wants rural development and tribal welfare held by the NCP. In exchange it's offering environment and forests.

But the NCP is demanding the crucial Congress ministries urban development and social welfare for the swap.

The Congress argues it has won 20 more seats than the NCP and must have the edge in the Cabinet.

But what about the delay the tug of war has caused in government formation?

"In the last two elections, the Cabinet was not formed for two weeks, it's not unusual," said Manikrao Thakre, State Congress chief.

As both sides wait for the other to blink, the new Cabinet is unlikely to meet its deadline of November 3rd.