Both the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party have begun to vie for the support of 14 independents in the 144-member Pune Municipal Corporation.

But both parties -- on their own -- are a long way from the magical figure of 73.

The NCP, the single largest party with 41 seats, has claimed the support of seven independents. The Congress on Monday claimed it has the backing of seven independents.

The tally of the Congress, along with the support of seven independents, is now 43, Pune unit Congress president Abhay Chhajed said.

About alliances, the Congress leader said that he was not aware of the plans of the senior leaders, adding that at the moment, the party was prepared to sit in the opposition.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has 25 and the Shiv Sena 20 seats. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has won eight seats.

Even with the support of independents and MNS, no party or combine can take control of the Corporation as the number would fall short of the required 73. If the Congress and NCP come together for a post-poll alliance, then only will the uncertainty end, a Congress leader said.