In a significant update ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel announced on Monday that the ruling Mahayuti alliance partners have reached a consensus on approximately 230 of the 288 assembly seats. This revelation comes as political activity intensifies in the state, with the Election Commission expected to announce the election schedule soon.
“We have reached a consensus on 225-230 seats. Once the other seats are finalized, we will let you (media) know in the next two to four days,” Patel informed reporters during a press briefing.
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the NCP, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, has been under scrutiny following reports of internal discord. Speculation about potential rifts was further fueled by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s early departure from a recent Cabinet meeting. However, Pawar sought to clarify the situation, stating, “all is well,” thereby attempting to dispel concerns regarding the stability of the coalition.
With the current assembly’s term set to end on November 26, the political landscape is heating up, and the focus is now on finalizing seat allocations. The upcoming elections are crucial for all parties involved, particularly the Mahayuti alliance, as they aim to consolidate their positions in the face of opposition challenges.
As the alliance prepares for the electoral battle, the consensus on seats is seen as a vital step towards ensuring a united front. Political analysts suggest that the swift resolution of seat-sharing issues could be key to the alliance’s success in the upcoming polls, especially given the recent shifts in voter sentiment observed in previous elections across the country.
As the political scenario evolves, all eyes will be on the Mahayuti alliance and its strategy leading up to the assembly elections, which promise to be a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s political history.