As negotiations intensify within the political arena of Maharashtra, the evolving seat-sharing formulas of Mahayuti and MVA alliances shed light on the distribution of power among key players, notably BJP and Congress, within their respective coalitions.
The emerging breakdown suggests a significant portion of seats being contested by BJP, accounting for 67% within Mahayuti, while Congress appears dominant within MVA, with a share of 44%.
Delving into specifics, Shiv Sena is poised to contest approximately 25% of seats, with its breakaway faction, Sena (UBT), eyeing 38%. NCP anticipates securing around 8% of seats, while NCP (Sharad) aims for 19%.
While some seats may still be subject to negotiation, the broad contours of the allocations seem to be taking shape.
Yet, the challenge lies in accommodating smaller allies, a task that demands delicate balance and strategic maneuvering. Tentative seat-sharing arrangements present a nuanced picture across key regions:
Mumbai & the Rest of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)
In certain contested seats within MVA
• Hingoli, Mumbai South-Central, and Ramtek witness overlapping claims from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress.
• Bhiwandi attracts attention from both Congress and NCP (Sharad).
• Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, led by Prakash Ambedkar, stakes its claim in Solapur, Akola, Nanded, Pune, and Jalna, with a specific interest in Jalna for Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil.
• Hatkanangle is sought by Swabhimani Paksha, while Rashtriya Samaj Paksha eyes Madha.
In the broader landscape of Maharashtra, Prakash Ambedkar’s party’s seat allocation is likely to be managed by Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), with ongoing discussions involving Raju Shetti and Mahayuti.
Rest of Maharashtra
In Mahayuti’s contested seats
• BJP asserts its claim in Ramtek, Hatkanangle, Yavatmal-Washim, and Amravati.
• NCP eyes Satara, while Shiv Sena expresses interest in Amravati.
• In Mumbai South, both MNS and Shiv Sena are vying for representation.
• RPI (Athawale) stakes its claim in Shirdi.
Uncertainty looms over Hatkanangle, as Raju Shetti’s potential candidacy under BJP’s banner complicates matters. Shetti remains engaged in discussions with MVA, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding political landscape.