30-32 seats for party, 16-18 for allies: BJP hopes for this deal in Maharashtra

Following the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who engaged in extensive meetings late into Tuesday and early Wednesday, BJP sources have indicated progress in crafting a seat-sharing arrangement for Maharashtra. According to these sources, the BJP is poised to contest 30-32 of the 48 seats in the state, with the Shinde Shiv Sena aiming for 11-13 seats and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar targeting 5 seats.

Key discussions spearheaded by Shah involved Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Although the proposed formula represents a significant gain for the BJP, both the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shinde Sena have cautioned that the deal is not yet finalized.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP contested 25 seats in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena, winning 23, while the Shiv Sena contested 23 seats and secured 18. The undivided NCP, allied with the Congress, won 4 seats.

The breakaway Shinde Sena now commands support from 12 of the Sena's 18 MPs, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has the backing of 1 out of the NCP's 4 MPs. Despite Shinde Sena's claim for all 18 previously held seats and Ajit Pawar NCP's demand for 10, negotiations remain ongoing.

Amidst speculation of strain within the alliance due to seat bargaining, Shah emphasized the importance of unity and focused efforts towards achieving the collective goal of securing over 45 seats in Maharashtra.

While loose ends remain to be addressed, the outcome of Shah's discussions was deemed positive. Maharashtra BJP leaders, including Fadnavis and state party president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, traveled to Delhi for further deliberations in a core committee meeting.

Shah's visit to Maharashtra included various party meetings and rallies aimed at galvanizing support ahead of the polls. His emphasis on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections being about the vision of a developed India by 2047 underscored the campaign's direction, transcending individual party or leadership narratives.