While elections to the state assembly are barely a month away, parties do not seem to be in a hurry to ensure that the long phase of uncertainty over alliances comes to an end. Consensus seems to be eluding old partners such as Congress and NCP and BJP and Shiv Sena, creating an atmosphere of distrust. and fuelling rumours of an impending break-up.

Meetings between both sets of allies over the last month have proved a warm-up exercise, with parties busy assessing their strengths and the mood in the other camp.