New Delhi: As the stalemate over Chief Ministership in Maharashtra lingered, Congress is said to be seriously considering NCP's (Nationalist Congress Party) demand for two deputy chief ministers in lieu of the top post.

Highly placed party sources said the NCP's latest demand was being seriously considered in addition to the Congress' earlier offer of three additional ministerial berths and two more portfolios to NCP in lieu of Chief Ministership.

The sources said the newly-elected party MLAs and party leaders from the State were being asked to convey their views on the new demand of NCP to the high command, which has already authorised to take a decision on the leadership issue.

Earlier, after an hour-long meeting with Sonia Gandhi, party leader Pranab Mukherjee told reporters, "It (the issue) would be resolved today." He was accompanied by another leader Ahmed Patel.

Asked whether any new formula was being discussed to break the deadlock, Patel said, "They are the same proposals," indicating that it was the Congress offer of three additional ministerial berths and two more portfolios to NCP in lieu of Chief Ministership.

However, when asked whether the NCP demand was being discussed, Patel said it was also being discussed.