Amidst the impending Lok Sabha elections and Maharashtra gearing up for five phases of voting, the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state grapples with finalizing a seat-sharing agreement. Particularly, the allocation of three seats—Baramati, Madha, and Satara—remains a point of contention as uncertainty looms over which alliance party will field candidates in these constituencies.
Comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra ruling alliance faces challenges as leaders and party workers voice concerns in Madha and Satara.
Supporters of BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale express disappointment over his exclusion from the Satara seat in BJP’s initial candidate list for Maharashtra. Additionally, veteran leaders Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil from BJP and Ramraje Nimbalkar from NCP Ajit’s camp are displeased with BJP’s selection of Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar as a candidate.
Efforts to address discontent have been made, with Minister Girish Mahajan dispatched to resolve issues in Madha and Satara. However, his convoy faced obstacles, and discussions with BJP workers in Satara were held to assess the situation.
Mahajan clarified misunderstandings among Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and NCP, emphasizing Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’s efforts to engage with leaders and address concerns. He assured that the next list of candidates for Maharashtra will be released promptly.
In Baramati, Shiv Sena and NCP seek consensus, with former minister Vijay Shivtare gearing to contest against Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Shivtare to mitigate tensions, with Shivtare indicating a decision pending after consulting supporters from his assembly seat Purandar.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole remarks on the challenges within the ruling alliance, suggesting difficulty in consensus-building. However, Eknath Shinde refutes claims of discord, expressing confidence in voters’ support for PM Modi’s developmental efforts, anticipating over 45 seats in Maharashtra.