New Delhi: It is like Diwali in advance at the AICC (All India Congress Committee) head quarters where an atmosphere of festivity prevailed right from the morning as the results of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra poured in.

Buoyed over the trends and results of the elections projecting a win for Congress-NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) combine, enthusiastic party workers descended on the party headquarters for celebrations.

Bursting of crackers, display of fireworks and chanting of "Sonia Gandhi Zindabad" rent the air as hordes of Congressmen danced to the beating of drums over the outcome of the elections in the State.

A hot air balloon with colours of Congress flag added to the festive spirit at the party office which is adjacent to 10 Janpath, residence of the Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Commenting on the results, Union Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said the Congress-NCP combine would not require outside support to form Government in Maharashtra.

The Congress would have got more seats if there had been no rebels, he said, expressing hope that they would support the party.

Asked about the role of smaller parties, he said the Congress-NCP would get majority on its own and there would be no need for taking their support.

Both Chavan and party leader Ashok Gehlot attributed Congress victory to the policies of the party and leadership of Sonia Gandhi.