The seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and NCP led by Ajit Pawar, continue to be tense as the upcoming Maharashtra assembly election approaches. Reports suggest that the BJP might contest between 140 and 150 seats, with Shiv Sena and NCP potentially receiving 80 and 55 seats, respectively. Smaller allies are expected to receive three seats.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has intervened to mediate between the parties, urging them to present a united front and avoid public disputes. Shah has assured that each party will receive a respectful share of seats and promised personal intervention if needed.
The BJP’s insistence on contesting up to 160 seats has created friction, as this would leave only 128 to 138 seats for the other two parties, a scenario deemed unacceptable by Shiv Sena and NCP. In the 2019 Maharashtra elections, the BJP and undivided Shiv Sena won decisively but later split, with Uddhav Thackeray forming a government with Congress and NCP. Eknath Shinde’s rebellion in 2022 led to the formation of a new alliance with the BJP.
The Mahayuti alliance will face the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an opposition coalition of Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction. The Maha Vikas Aghadi outperformed the Mahayuti in the recent Lok Sabha elections, winning 30 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra.
In recent meetings with Amit Shah, discussions included not only seat-sharing but also issues related to fund allocations and pending approvals for schemes. Shah expressed frustration over internal conflicts and attacks between Shiv Sena and NCP members.
The seat-sharing deal remains crucial as the parties prepare for the election, with significant stakes for all involved.
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