The dates for the Maharashtra assembly elections have been announced. Today, the BJP's Central Election Committee might finalize the names of more than 100 candidates. A significant party meeting is scheduled where these names will be deliberated over before finalizing.
There are 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra. The state government is an alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar). In the 2019 elections, BJP captured the most seats, gaining 105. The Grand Alliance is set to contest with full force, with the final phase of seat-sharing discussions in progress. Presently, BJP holds 103 legislators, while Shiv Sena (Shinde) has 40 and NCP (Ajit) holds 43.
It is believed that in the Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP will assume the role of the bigger ally within the ruling coalition, preparing to field candidates for the maximum number of seats. Following them will be candidates from Shiv Sena and NCP. The NDA may allocate a few seats to their minor allies. This time, voting for all 288 seats will occur in a single phase on November 20, with results announced on November 23.
BJP has been regularly conducting meetings in preparation for the elections and to finalize candidate names. Sources indicate that today, BJP's Central Election Committee might approve the names of over 100 candidates.
Sources suggest that the BJP aims to contest approximately 155 to 160 seats in the assembly elections. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Shinde) is seeking 90 to 95 seats, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) is eyeing around 50. Recently, BJP also contested the maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Party sources affirm that BJP will soon discuss seat-sharing with its coalition partners and distribute the seats accordingly.
