Maharashtra election seat-sharing: With the Maharashtra Assembly elections just a month away, the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—has reportedly reached a crucial seat-sharing agreement. This development follows a high-level meeting in Delhi between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and BJP strategist Amit Shah.Seat-sharing deal almost finalisedAfter intense discussions, sources reveal that the alliance is close to finalizing its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming elections scheduled for November 20. The BJP is expected to contest 156 of the total 288 seats, claiming the largest share. Shindes Shiv Sena will reportedly field candidates in 78 constituencies, while Ajit Pawars NCP faction is set to contest 54 seats.BJP might allocate some of its seats to smaller alliance partnersIn certain constituencies, the BJP is likely to allocate some of its seats to smaller alliance partners. Additionally, in areas where any party lacks a strong candidate, there may be a flexible adjustment of up to five seats. Disputes over specific seats will be resolved at the state level, based on directives from Amit Shah. Furthermore, seat-swapping between the BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena will take place in constituencies where incumbents face anti-incumbency sentiments.Campaigning to begin immediatelyA joint statement from the Mahayuti coalition regarding the finalised seat-sharing formula is expected soon. Amit Shah has instructed all alliance members to begin their campaign efforts immediately to prepare for the election, which will be held in a single phase on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
