Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday stated that the Mahayuti alliance has “almost reached a consensus” on seat-sharing discussions for the upcoming MLC polls. The alliance had nearly finalized the formula, but the BJP insisted on securing one seat either in Nashik or Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar from the Shiv Sena, while the NCP requested the Pune seat from the BJP, the CM revealed.
Remaining Sticking Points
“We are stuck on these two seats. However, we will find a way out soon. Now the difficult paper is over, and only the easy paper is left. Now all that remains is to tick the box,” said Fadnavis after a meeting with Union ministers Amit Shah, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi, and others, along with his deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, in Delhi. Fadnavis and Shinde are reported to have also met Shah privately after the main meeting.
Shinde Clarifies Speculations
Last weekend, Shinde had met Shah in Delhi and discussed the ongoing tussle within the Mahayuti over seat distribution for the MLC polls, according to Sena functionaries. On Wednesday, Shinde clarified that every time he visits Delhi, speculation arises about his unhappiness, but that is not the case. “I met Shah, but we did not come here for any political discussion,” he said.
Finance Portfolio Question
When asked about returning the finance portfolio, previously held by the late deputy CM Ajit Pawar, to the NCP, Fadnavis responded: “I have not yet been asked for the finance portfolio. However, if I am asked, I will speak on that. I have not received any such displeasure. If any such displeasure reaches me, I will speak about it.”
Preliminary Seat-Sharing Formula
As per the preliminary Mahayuti formula for the MLC polls, the BJP is set to receive the largest share of 11 out of 17 seats, while Shinde’s Shiv Sena and the NCP will each get three seats. Polling for the seats will be held on June 18, with vote counting on June 22. The election notification will be issued on May 25, and the last date for filing nominations is June 1. Scrutiny of applications will take place on June 2, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until June 4. These seats have remained vacant for over two-and-a-half years due to the non-conduct of local body elections across Maharashtra.
