With only a month left until the Maharashtra assembly elections, both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are intensifying their efforts to finalize seat-sharing agreements. Leaders from both camps have hinted that negotiations are in their final stages, with announcements expected in the coming days.
Mahayuti Finalizing Seat Division
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that seat-sharing talks between BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP are almost complete. “We’ve cleared most of the problematic seats. Final decisions on the remaining few will be made shortly,” he stated. He further hinted that BJP’s first candidate list might be released soon.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also echoed Fadnavis, revealing that a meeting was held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “Positive discussions were held, and we’re nearing the final stages,” Shinde said, suggesting that the official announcement would be made shortly.
According to sources, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is likely to contest 85-90 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction may get around 50 seats, with the remaining contested by the BJP. The seat-sharing formula for all 288 assembly seats has reportedly been finalized in New Delhi.
BJP Confident Ahead of Polls
A senior BJP leader expressed optimism about their prospects, noting that they are in a stronger position compared to the Lok Sabha elections. He attributed the party’s resurgence to the Maratha reservation issue and the debunking of opposition narratives regarding constitutional changes. “Haryana’s poll results will give us an edge in Maharashtra,” he added.
MVA’s Seat-Sharing Talks
On the opposition side, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who is overseeing the Maharashtra elections for his party, confirmed that seat-sharing talks between MVA constituents—Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP—are ongoing and nearing completion. “We will announce it soon,” he said.
However, some tension was visible during discussions between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole indirectly hinted at disagreements by stating, “If Sanjay Raut controls Uddhav Thackeray, that’s their issue.”
Allegations of Electoral Manipulation
MVA leaders, including Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, have raised concerns over the transparency of the upcoming elections. They accused the ruling Mahayuti of manipulating the voter list by adding “bogus voters” and removing legitimate names. “We have written to the Election Commission regarding this issue,” Patole said.
Maharashtra will go to the polls on November 20, with results expected on November 23.
