Even as filing of nominations for the Maharashtra Assembly election began on Saturday, turmoil continued on both ends of the political spectrum in the State.
The ruling Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance and the Opposition Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party combine have not yet reached a seat-sharing deal, triggering speculation about whether they will remain together.
The NCP has given an ultimatum to the Congress to conclude seat-sharing talks within 24 hours. “If we do not hear from the Congress by the end of tomorrow [Sunday], then all options are open,” NCP leader Praful Patel said.
The NCP has rejected the Congress’s offer of 124 seats. It is sticking to its demand of 144 of the 288 seats.
The Congress says the demand is unacceptable. “If the NCP remains adamant, then we will have no choice but to contest alone,” said State Congress chief Manikrao Thakre.
In 2009, the Congress contested 174 seats and the NCP 114. However, after winning more seats than the Congress in the recent Lok Sabha election, the NCP raised its demand.
Deadlock continues
Meanwhile, tensions continued within the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. The allies swapped seat-sharing formulas through the day but failed to agree on a deal.
The latest proposal from the Shiv Sena camp is 162 seats for itself and 126 to the BJP. The Shiv Sena will give seven seats from this quota to the alliance’s ally Raju Shetti’s Swabhimani Shetkari Paksha. The BJP must give up nine seats to their allies.
According to informed sources, the Sena may give up a few more seats if assured of the Chief Minister’s post. “The Sena’s proposal means that we will be left with only 117 seats, fewer than what we contested in 2009,” said BJP leader Vinod Tawde.
In 2009, the BJP contested 119 seats while the Sena fought in 169. However, after its spectacular performance in the Lok Sabha, the BJP demanded an equal share of seats. Attention will now be focussed on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray’s meeting with party leaders across the State on Sunday, where many feel he may given an indication of his decision on the alliance.
