Mumbai, Nov 5 The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have reportedly reached a broad understanding on the portfolio allocation in Maharashtra and a new government is expected to be sworn in tomorrow.

This should put an end to the uncertainty that has prevailed since the declaration of the results on October 22. NCP's negotiator Praful Patel said today that both the parties are close to finalising the agreement and a formal decision would be made.

Ahmed Patel from the Congress and Praful Patel from the NCP were engaged in talks in New Delhi until late Wednesday night discussing the deal and waiting for the nod from the Congress high command.

A day after Maharashtra Governor S C Jamir issued an ultimatum to the Congress-NCP combine; Chief Minister-designate Ashok Chavan had stated that a government would be formed in the state in 48 hours. (ANI)