BJP-Shiv Sena Eknath-NCP Ajit Pawar Finalise Mahayuti Seat-Sharing, Read Who Will Contest On How Many Seats

The BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar) 's Mahayuti alliance has reached a consensus on seat sharing for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election 2024. The upcoming state assembly elections for 288 seats will be held in a single phase on November 20.

According to the reports, Mahayuti leaders will shortly make the official announcement of the seat-sharing deal. Sources indicate that the BJP is most likely to secure the majority of seats.

Seat Distribution Details

According to insiders, the BJP is expected to receive between 152 and 155 seats. The Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, will likely get 78 to 80 seats. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar's NCP is anticipated to secure 52 to 54 seats. This agreement was finalised during a high-level meeting at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence in Delhi.

The BJP has already announced its first list of 99 candidates. However, both the Shiv Sena and NCP have yet to reveal their candidate lists. Some leaders within the Mahayuti alliance are reportedly unhappy about not being allocated their preferred constituencies.

Internal Discontent

There is dissatisfaction among some Shiv Sena members regarding seat preferences. Similarly, certain BJP leaders are upset as other candidates received tickets for constituencies they had hoped to contest from. Ravindra Chavan from the BJP will again represent Dombivali, a seat he has held since 2014.

Dipesh Mhatre, a local leader from Dombivali associated with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, was eager to contest from there but has now joined Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. This shift highlights internal tensions within the alliance over seat allocations.

Election Strategy

The BJP plans to replicate its successful Haryana election strategy in Maharashtra. In Haryana, despite facing anti-incumbency after ten years in power, the party won by projecting Nayab Singh Saini as its face due to his popularity and acceptance among voters.

In Maharashtra, the BJP believes Eknath Shinde enjoys similar popularity. Therefore, they are keen on presenting him as the face of the Mahayuti alliance for this election. This strategy aims to leverage Shinde's appeal among voters across Maharashtra.

Upcoming Election Timeline

The Maharashtra Assembly election will occur in a single phase on November 20 for all 288 seats. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23. As political parties gear up for this significant event, all eyes are on how these alliances and strategies will play out at the polls.