Nashik: As the nomination process for the upcoming legislative council (MLC) elections gathers pace, the Mahayuti alliance remains locked in negotiations over seat-sharing, with the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) both staking claim to the Nashik seat. However, sources indicate that a resolution may be imminent, with the Shiv Sena likely to retain the Nashik constituency while ceding the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seat to the BJP as part of a broader adjustment.
Shiv Sena's Strong Claim on Nashik
The Shiv Sena has firmly pressed its demand for the Nashik seat, citing its sitting representation. The seat was previously held by the party's Narendra Darade, which strengthens its claim. In contrast, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seat was represented by Ambadas Danve of the Shiv Sena (UBT), a rival faction. This distinction has become a key factor in the ongoing discussions.
Fadnavis Confirms Near Consensus
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Wednesday that seat-sharing talks among Mahayuti partners have reached near consensus, with only two to three seats still under negotiation. He elaborated, "We wanted Shiv Sena to give up one of the two seats — either Nashik or Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar — and we have insisted on it. The NCP has demanded the Pune seat." This indicates that while progress has been made, some contentious issues remain.
Additional Claims and Possible Swaps
Shiv Sena sources further revealed that the party has also staked claim to the Jalgaon seat, which was previously held by the BJP. Earlier speculation had suggested a possible swap of Nashik and Jalgaon seats between the two allies, but sources now indicate that the Shiv Sena is set to hold on to Nashik, while the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seat may go to the BJP. This adjustment could pave the way for a final agreement.
Meanwhile, the Nashik seat has attracted interest from other quarters as well. A group of local MLAs recently met NCP leader Sunetra Pawar in Mumbai, urging her to consider the party's claim for the constituency. This adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
Election Schedule and Key Dates
Polling for 16 MLC seats across Maharashtra, including Nashik, Jalgaon, and Ahilyanagar, is scheduled for June 18. Counting of votes will take place on June 22. The scrutiny of nomination papers is set for June 2, while June 4 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations. These deadlines are likely to accelerate the alliance's decision-making process.
In summary, while the Mahayuti alliance is edging closer to a final seat-sharing formula, the Nashik seat remains a sticking point. The Shiv Sena's insistence on retaining the seat, coupled with the BJP's demands and NCP's aspirations, has made the negotiations intricate. However, with the election dates approaching, a resolution is expected soon.
