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The upcoming Maharashtra assembly election is generating much anticipation as the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and NCP (led by Ajit Pawar), navigates the complex process of seat-sharing. According to NDTV sources, the BJP is aiming to contest around 140 to 150 seats, leaving a smaller number for the Shiv Sena (80 seats) and NCP (55 seats). Three seats are reserved for minor allies.
The alliance's seat-sharing negotiations come amidst a directive from Union home minister Amit Shah for unity and respectful allocation of seats. Shah, in meetings with the top leaders of the three parties, emphasized the importance of avoiding public confrontations and presenting a united front to the electorate. However, the BJP's desired dominance, seeking 150-160 seats, raises concerns among the Shiv Sena and NCP, as this would leave only 128-138 seats for them, a scenario deemed unacceptable.
The Mahayuti alliance faces the challenge of countering the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an Opposition coalition consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and Sharad Pawar's NCP faction. The Maha Vikas Aghadi secured a decisive victory in the recent Lok Sabha elections, winning 30 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, surpassing the Mahayuti's 17 seats. This victory underscores the potential threat posed by the Opposition coalition in the upcoming assembly elections.
The article delves into the historical context of the BJP and Shiv Sena's alliance in the 2019 Maharashtra elections, where they achieved a decisive victory but later split due to leadership disputes. Eknath Shinde's rebellion in 2022 resulted in the downfall of Uddhav Thackeray's government, ultimately leading to the formation of the current alliance between Shinde and the BJP. BJP insiders have revealed the party's plan to contest around 160 seats, allotting 60 seats to Ajit Pawar's NCP and 70 seats to the Shiv Sena led by CM Eknath Shinde.
The article highlights the importance of Amit Shah's role in facilitating the seat-sharing negotiations. Sunil Tatkare, state NCP president, confirmed that Shah emphasized the respectful distribution of seats and assured everyone of his personal intervention when necessary. This commitment underscores Shah's strategic role in ensuring unity and minimizing internal conflicts within the Mahayuti alliance.
The article concludes by detailing the meetings between Amit Shah and the top leaders from the ruling parties, focusing on both the strategic aspects of seat-sharing and the need to address internal conflicts. Shah expressed displeasure at recent attacks by Shiv Sena ministers on the NCP, highlighting the delicate balance within the alliance and the potential for tensions to escalate. The article emphasizes the ongoing negotiations and the crucial role of Amit Shah in shaping the final seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.
Source: Maharashtra election: Suspense over Mahayuti seat-sharing deal continues. BJP to get 150 seats?