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The upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections are casting a shadow of uncertainty over the Mahayuti alliance, a coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). As the parties engage in seat-sharing negotiations, tensions are rising, with each party vying for a favorable share of the 288 assembly seats at stake. The BJP, aiming to replicate its 2019 election strategy, is pushing for a staggering 160 seats, while the Shiv Sena is demanding 100-105 seats. Meanwhile, the NCP is seeking a share of 60-80 seats, according to reports from The Times of India (TOI).
The Shiv Sena, in a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mumbai, presented its case for over 100 seats, highlighting its stronghold on Marathi and Hindutva votes. A party official emphasized that the Shiv Sena (UBT), a breakaway faction, had benefited from strategic voting for the INDIA bloc. The party believes that securing over 100 seats is crucial to counter the Sena (UBT) and defeat the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in the upcoming elections. The election schedule remains unannounced, but sources suggest that a seat-sharing formula could be finalized soon.
There are speculations that the Shiv Sena may eventually settle for 80-90 seats, while the NCP could receive 50-60 seats. However, the seat-sharing process is becoming increasingly complex, with regional strongmen within the NCP potentially disrupting the Mahayuti's election strategy. An observer highlighted that if the NCP's demand for 60-80 seats is not met, its regional leaders could align with the MVA, weakening the alliance's overall strength. Despite these tensions, BJP leaders remain optimistic, having secured 105 out of the 160 seats they contested in the 2019 elections. However, they acknowledge that the upcoming election will be highly competitive, lacking the same electoral momentum as the previous one.
BJP leaders argue that they need to contest more than 150 seats to secure a win in at least 100, with all three Mahayuti partners contributing significant seats to the table for government formation. Sunil Tatkare, the NCP state chief, confirmed that Amit Shah has assured a fair distribution of seats, promising personal intervention if necessary. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the political landscape of Maharashtra, shaping the future of the Mahayuti alliance and the upcoming assembly elections.