Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde admitted that the initial trends indicate a "close fight", and said he would wait till the last round of counting before deciding future strategy towards formation of the new Government.

In an obvious reference to rebels, who may play a deciding role in formation of the new Government, Shinde told reporters in Mumbai, "Our leaders are in touch with them; they are also in touch with us."

Asked who was the probable candidate for Chief Ministership, Shinde said issue will be decided by consensus by the elected representatives. The Chief Minister said he was firm on his decision of not to contest any more Assembly polls. "I have already said that I would not (not) like to be in State politics after the age of 60 and I stick by the decision," he said.