BJP and NCP Likely To Settle On 6-2 Seat Sharing Formula In Pune For State Assembly Elections
BJP and NCP Likely To Settle On 6-2 Seat Sharing Formula In Pune For State Assembly Elections
Following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Pune, discussions between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) indicate a potential agreement on a 6-2 seat sharing formula for the upcoming state assembly elections in Pune. NCP chief Ajit Pawar expressed optimism after productive talks with their Mahayuti allies, emphasizing ongoing discussions aimed at mutual understanding.
Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis outlined BJP’s prospective plans to contest five key seats in Pune, including Kothrud, Shivajinagar, Khadakwasla, Parvati, and Pune Cantonment. Despite losing the recent Kasba Peth by-election, Fadnavis cited BJP’s strong local support as a strategic advantage.
Ajit Pawar also announced that Mahayuti members, including his NCP, are permitted to independently contest upcoming local body elections, underscoring the move as beneficial for strengthening party cadres. This declaration follows recent critiques linking the BJP’s electoral setbacks in Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha polls to the NCP’s alliance with them, as indicated by a Marathi weekly associated with the RSS.
The Mahayuti alliance currently comprises Shiv Sena under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP, and NCP under Ajit Pawar’s leadership. The schedule for local body elections, encompassing municipal councils, nagar panchayats, and zilla parishads, is yet to be finalized.
The developments highlight significant political maneuvering as parties gear up for both local and state elections, setting the stage for a dynamic electoral landscape in Pune and across Maharashtra.
