Tuesday, June 6 2006 18:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: With the stand off between coalition partners Congress and NCP over the Rajya Sabha seat in Maharashtra persisting, PCC President Prabha Rau today (June 6, 2006) met party Chief Sonia Gandhi, a day after industralist Rahul Bajaj was pitted jointly by opposition BJP-Shiv Sena combine with the backing of NCP for the June 15 by-poll.

"We will abide by whatever high command will decide", was Rau's refrain on the Rajya Sabha seat for which the party has fielded state Congress office bearer Avinash Pande in whatclearly appeared to be a losing battle against Bajaj who is contesting as an independent.

Pande, who has been entrusted with the unenviable task, also had a meeting with Gandhi.

Rau apprised the party chief about the recently-held state legislative council elections which put a strain on ties between Congress and NCP one of whose candidates lost.

The last date of withdrawal of nominations being June 8, Congress sources said talks would be held with NCP when its leader and Union Minister Praful Patel arrives here by tomorrow.

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, who has been accused by AICC General Secretary Margaret Alva of 'going back' on his word on extending support to Congress for the seat, is away in the US and expected back on June 10.

Although rattled by its partner in both Maharashtra and the Centre ditching it in favour of the saffron front, Congress is putting up a brave face, hoping NCP would reconsider its decision and not align or work in tandem withBJP and Shiv Sena.