Sources tell NDTV that the Congress and the NCP have finally reached an agreement over berth-sharing in the would-be Cabinet. As per the deal, the Congress will have 23 ministers  while the NCP will get 20 portfolios, including home and finance.

Maharashtra may finally have a government on Friday or by Saturday. That's what senior NCP leader Praful Patel has promised after a series of meetings on Wednesday with senior Congress leaders. The Union minister has said he is hopeful of a solution at the earliest.

He says the two sides have worked out a formula that has to now get the Congress high command's nod.

An announcement could come in the afternoon today.

Governor SC Jamir has publically rebuked the Congress and the NCP for the delay in government formation. The two allies were voted to power with clear numbers nearly two weeks ago, but have been fighting over portfolios since then.

The governor was forced to intervene because the winning partners Cong and NCP failed to form a government due to their continuing squabble over the distribution of Cabinet berths even after two weeks since the polls results were declared.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan was back at work, in an attempt to show that it is business as usual - even without a cabinet.

Soon after the putdown, the allies said the deadlock would end soon. Chavan even went on to say that a new government could be in place within 48 hours.

"There are still a few small differences with the NCP, but we hope to resolve them latest by Thursday morning," he said.

"Now it is just a matter of a few hours," reiterated NCP leader Praful Patel.

The allies also face pressure from the public and the Opposition with the Shiv Sena-BJP combine demanding President's rule in the state. The delay has crippled the state machinery, already running slow for two months now because of the election code of conduct.

Crucial posts like the state director general of police and Mumbai municipal commissioner have not been filled. Major projects like the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan and the extension of the Mumbai sea-link are blocked.

The Congress-NCP thaw is now a necessity, with the allies fast running out on public sympathy.