New Delhi: The suspense over the decision of the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) on Government formation in Maharashtra continued despite a two-hour meeting party chief Sharad Pawar had with senior leaders of the party including those from the State.

The meeting was adjourned as Pawar had to attend a Cabinet Meeting and the party deliberations will resume in the afternoon. NCP leader Praful Patel said a decision would be taken today.

"All options are open," Patel told reporters when asked whether outside support by NCP to Congress Government was still being considered.

He said leaders from Maharashtra who have been called for consultations were not very happy over the Congress attempts to deny Chief Ministership to the NCP.

The meeting at Pawar's residence was attended by several Maharashtra leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinh Mohite-Patil, State Home Minister R R Patil, former Deputy Chief Minister Chagan Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil.

The NCP legislature party, which met on Monday (Oct 25, 2004) had authorised Pawar to a take a decision on the Chief Ministership issue.