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The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections are heating up as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of candidates, featuring 99 names. This announcement signifies a crucial step in the BJP's campaign strategy as they aim to solidify their position in the state. Among the key figures on the list is the current deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, who is set to contest from Nagpur South West. This strategic move demonstrates the BJP's confidence in Fadnavis's ability to garner support in his constituency.
Adding further momentum to the campaign, the BJP State president, Chandrashekar Bawankule, will be contesting from Kamthi. This decision highlights the party's focus on strengthening its presence in key regions of Maharashtra. The release of the candidate list comes in the wake of a significant development within the Mahayuti alliance, a coalition of parties contesting the elections. Leaders of the alliance met in Delhi at Union home minister Amit Shah's official residence for a marathon meeting that extended into the early hours of Saturday.
This meeting resulted in a crucial agreement on seat distribution among the alliance partners. The BJP is projected to contest around 155 seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena will compete in approximately 85 seats. The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has been allocated 45-50 seats. This carefully crafted distribution plan reflects the alliance's strategy for maximizing their electoral chances in the upcoming elections. Looking back at the previous assembly elections, the BJP fielded candidates in 260 constituencies, securing a commanding victory with 122 seats in 2014 and 105 seats in 2019, solidifying their status as the largest party in Maharashtra.
The Election Commission of India has officially announced that voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections will take place on November 20, 2023. The results are expected to be declared on November 23, 2023, just three days after the polls. The current term of the Maharashtra Assembly is scheduled to expire on November 26, 2023, marking the end of the current political cycle. As the election campaign intensifies, all eyes are on the BJP and the Mahayuti alliance as they strive to secure victory in the upcoming polls.