As the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 approach, significant developments are unfolding within the state’s political landscape. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, has announced its strategy for the upcoming polls, revealing plans to contest 60 of the 288 available assembly seats.
In a recent meeting with NCP office bearers, Ajit Pawar detailed the party’s election strategy. “The party should be prepared to contest 60 seats,” Pawar stated, emphasizing that this includes six additional seats beyond the 54 currently allocated to the NCP. The exact election schedule for Maharashtra remains pending, with the Election Commission expected to announce the dates soon, likely placing the polls at the end of November.
In a bid to strengthen the party’s position, Ajit Pawar also hinted at a forthcoming expansion of the NCP. He indicated that more MLAs are expected to join the party, further consolidating its influence. Reports suggest that four Congress MLAs—Zeeshan Siddique, Hiraman Khoskar, Syamsundar Shinde, and Sulbha Khodke—are poised to switch allegiances to the NCP. Notably, Congress state president Nana Patole announced the expulsion of Bandra East MLA Zeeshan Siddique, following his participation in Ajit Pawar’s Jan Sanman Yatra in Mumbai. Siddique’s move to the NCP aligns with his father Baba Siddique’s political trajectory.
Amidst these developments, speculation had arisen about Ajit Pawar potentially rejoining the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). However, sources indicate that the NCP remains committed to its current alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, rather than reverting to the MVA.
Addressing remarks by BJP spokesperson Ganesh Hake regarding the alliance with the NCP, Pawar responded by reaffirming his engagement with key BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “I discuss matters with the top leaders and do not focus on the comments of others,” Pawar said.
Currently in Nagpur, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also updated the media on the progress of seat-sharing negotiations. The initial round of discussions has been completed, with a second round of talks scheduled to finalize the distribution of the 288 constituencies.
As the election date approaches, the political dynamics in Maharashtra are set to intensify, with strategic alliances and party expansions playing a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape.
