Mumbai: In a setback to BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-Shiv Sena alliance, the ruling Congress-NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) combine today (Oct 16, 2004) appeared set to retain power in Maharashtra winning 33 seats and leading in over 106 seats in the 288-member Assembly.

The Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, which at times looked like overtaking the other combine, has won 26 seats and were leading in nearly 89 seats.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj virtually conceded defeat saying, "It was over for us in Maharashtra."

Independents and rebels, who may hold the key to next Government formation, have so far won 9 seats and were leading in 25 seats.

Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde (Cong), his Deputy Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil (NCP), senior minister Patangrao Kadam (Cong), Finance Minister Jayant Patil and former Deputy Chief Minister Chaggan Bhujbal (both NCP) were among the prominent ruling front winners.

On the Opposition side, former Chief Minister Narayan Rane (Shiv Sena) has won from Malvan, while former deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde (BJP) was leading from his pocketborough of Renapur in Marathwada region.

Prominent among independent winners were Madan Patil from Sangli, Satej Patil from Karveer both in Western Maharashtra as also former don Arun Gawli from Chinchpokli in Mumbai.

Chief Minister's son-in-law and Congress nominee from Malabar Hill Raj Shroff lost to Mangal Prabhat Lodha of BJP, who was the sitting member.