Leaders from Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra have addressed recent comments made by BJP leader and former Union minister Narayan Rane regarding the upcoming assembly elections. Rane’s suggestion that the BJP should contest all 288 seats was swiftly clarified by his allies as a personal viewpoint rather than an official party stance.
At a recent press conference, Rane expressed his belief that the BJP should aim to contest every seat in the upcoming assembly elections, stating, “I feel the BJP should contest 288 seats.” His comments came alongside news that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had convened a meeting with BJP leaders to strategize for the polls in Maharashtra.
The BJP, part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra with Shiv Sena and NCP, has been preparing for the elections with discussions on seat allocations. In response to Rane’s remarks, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande made it clear, “This statement by Narayan Rane should be considered his personal opinion.”
Similarly, NCP leader Umesh Patil echoed this sentiment, stating, “Even I feel we should contest all 288 seats…This is his personal statement.” The NCP, while aligned with the BJP in the coalition, maintained that seat distribution would be determined based on the collective decision of party leaders.
Shiv Sena MP and spokesperson Naresh Mhaske also weighed in, clarifying that Rane’s position does not reflect the consensus of his party or the broader BJP leadership. “All parties will get seats as per their strength. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar will take a decision on seat sharing,” he said.
Rane’s comments were not limited to electoral strategy; he also addressed recent criticisms directed at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. Rane suggested that external forces were behind Jarange’s criticisms and reiterated the party’s support for Fadnavis, stating, “No doubt there is someone behind Manoj Jarange Patil. Let me tell you Marathas don’t want reservations by disturbing anyone’s quota. Now it’s his (Jarange Patil’s) individual stand and not of the entire Maratha Community.”