The seat sharing formula in Maharashtra NDA has almost been resolved. After meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, both Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar have returned to Maharashtra while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is still in Delhi. He will also leave for Maharashtra in some time. Seat distribution was discussed in detail in the meeting held at Shah's house late at night.
According to sources, the seat sharing formula in Mahayuti may remain like this. BJP can contest elections on 156 seats, Shinde's Shiv Sena on 78 seats and Ajit Pawar's NCP on 54 seats. According to sources, BJP has to give seats to parties smaller than its quota and in case any party does not have a winning candidate, plus-minus can be done at 5 places.
The issue regarding some seats will be resolved at the state level after the instructions of Amit Shah. Apart from this, it has been decided to exchange some sitting seats of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena, on which there will be anti-incumbency against the candidate. A joint statement can also be issued today by Mahayuti regarding seat sharing. Shah has asked everyone to rapidly engage in publicity work.
At present, Eknath Shinde is leading the alliance as the Chief Minister, but who will be the next Chief Minister, the post of Chief Minister will be decided after coming to power. After coming to power, a decision will be taken after the elections on giving equal number of ministerial posts to the three parties in the cabinet. The seat allotment will be announced at a press conference in Mumbai. The manifesto of the grand alliance was discussed in the meeting.
The last elections in Maharashtra were fought jointly by BJP and Shiv Sena. Even before the formation of the government, Uddhav Thackeray changed sides and became the CM in the Mahavikas Aghadi coalition government with the support of Congress-NCP. Later Shiv Sena and NCP got divided. BJP, Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP together formed a grand alliance government and Eknath Shinde became the CM.
There are elections in Maharashtra on 20th November. Voting will be held on all 288 seats in one phase. The nomination process will start from 22nd October. Candidates will be able to file their nominations till 29th October. November 4 is the date for withdrawal of nominations. The results of Maharashtra elections will be declared on 23 November. It remains to be seen whether Mahayuti will return to power or Mahavikas Aghadi will show some miracle.
