As the Maharashtra Assembly elections loom, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to contest between 150 to 160 seats in the upcoming polls. As per India TV Sources reveal that the party has finalized its candidate list during a crucial meeting of the Maharashtra Core Committee, marking a significant step in their election strategy.

The BJP is part of the ruling coalition, known as Mahayuti, alongside the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to insiders, the BJP aims to claim around 160 seats as part of this alliance.

Discussions regarding the finalization of candidate names will now move to the Central Parliamentary Board (CEC) meeting in Delhi, where approval from the central leadership is expected. Maharashtra BJP leaders are set to engage in discussions with this leadership today to solidify their strategy.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is anticipated to travel to Delhi later in the day to deliberate on seat-sharing arrangements. The ruling alliance, which includes the BJP, Shinde?s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar?s NCP, is in the final stages of preparation as the Assembly polls are likely to take place next month, with the current assembly's term concluding on November 26.

Earlier on October 11, Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule indicated that the ruling alliance aims to finalize the seat-sharing arrangement within the next three days. "We will discuss the seats at the state level and then with the (BJP) central parliamentary board. Talks on 90 percent of the seats have been completed, and the remaining 10 percent will be concluded in the next three days," Bawankule stated during a press conference.

Once the parliamentary board meeting wraps up, it is expected that Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will announce the specific seats their coalition will contest. Bawankule further mentioned that the BJP plans to contest a higher number of seats in Vidarbha, following the same strategy as the previous elections.

With the clock ticking down to the elections, all eyes are on the BJP as they finalize their strategy and candidate lists, aiming to retain their influence in Maharashtra's political landscape.