The Maharashtra election is fast approaching, but the Mahayuti alliance is still mired in internal disputes over seat sharing. Ajit Pawar's NCP, with Mumbai President Sameer Bhujbal stepping down to contest as an independent against Shinde's candidate in Nandgaon, echoes the internal strife. Similar tensions arise in multiple constituencies over candidacy.
The Andheri East seat reveals notable friction within Mahayuti, where NCP (Shinde) clashes against BJP. Shinde wishes former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma’s wife Swikriti to contest, but BJP opposes this due to Sharma's alleged involvement in the Antilia and Mansukh Hiren murder cases, claiming their candidate is preferable.
Moreover, BJP opposed the candidacy of Nawab Malik. Sources indicate Ajit Pawar’s NCP wanted to field Nawab Malik, but BJP resisted due to his criminal record. Although released on bail in a PMLA case, Malik hoped to contest from Mankhurd, while his daughter Sana Malik has gained approval to run from Anushakti Nagar.
Objections by Shinde Over BJP Candidates on Four Seats
Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has contested BJP's candidates in Thane district. The disputed seats include Kalyan East, Thane, Airoli, and Murbad.
1. Kalyan East: BJP fields Ganpat Gaikwad's wife, Sulabha Gaikwad. Gaikwad is jailed for allegedly shooting at Shiv Sena leader Shinde in Ulhasnagar Police Station. 2. Thane Assembly: BJP fields its legislator Sanjay Kelkar. Shinde’s Shiv Sena objects due to Kelkar's calls for scrutinizing Thane Municipal Corporation's operations under Shinde's management. 3. Airoli: BJP nominates Ganesh Naik. Reportedly, his son contests against Mahayuti on NCP, Sharad Pawar’s ticket. 4. Murbad: BJP reinstates Kishan Kathore, leading to Shinde's party's disagreement.
Meetings from Mumbai to Delhi to Resolve Disputes
Efforts to resolve internal Mahayuti conflicts continue with meetings from Mumbai to Delhi. On Thursday, a meeting at Amit Shah's residence included Maharashtra's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, reportedly finding common ground over seat-sharing disputes between Ajit Pawar's NCP and BJP.
Sources indicate BJP is willing to concede some seats to Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Additionally, Eknath Shinde may relinquish seats for NCP. While specific allocations remain unofficial, Mahayuti is expected to announce their finalized seat-sharing formula soon.
Election Day is November 20
Maharashtra's 288 assembly seats will see voting on November 20, with results unveiled on November 23. Previously, BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54, and Congress 44. Post-election, Shiv Sena parted ways with the NDA, forming a government with NCP-Congress, crowning Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister.
In June 2022, Shiv Sena underwent internal strife, leading Eknath Shinde to split with 40 MLAs. With BJP’s support, Shinde ascended as Chief Minister. Shiv Sena now stands divided into two factions. Sharad Pawar's NCP also split into groups led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.
