In a crucial development ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is actively engaged in negotiations to finalize a seat-sharing formula. NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil held a significant meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence, Matoshree, on Friday, to discuss the contours of an alliance for the upcoming civic polls scheduled for January 15.
Seat-Sharing Discussions Underway, No Final Conclusion Yet
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jayant Patil confirmed that the discussions were positive but remained inconclusive. He emphasized that while the ideal scenario would be for the entire MVA, including the Congress, to contest the BMC polls together, that outcome is not currently materializing. "That was our view, but that is not happening as of now. Therefore, we are holding talks with Sena (UBT) and the Congress," Patil stated. He added that a formal comment would only be made once all negotiations conclude.
Patil acknowledged the organizational challenges his party faces in Mumbai, noting that the NCP (SP) does not possess the same strength as its potential allies. "In the BMC, we do not have the strength that Sena (UBT) and Congress have. That is why we are looking to align with our MVA partners," he explained, expressing optimism that an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) would ultimately be formed.
Hurdles in Negotiations and Congress Talks
The path to an alliance is not without its obstacles. Patil pointed out a key sticking point: the Shiv Sena (UBT) has laid claim to several seats where the NCP (SP) currently has sitting corporators from the previous BMC term. This overlap is a major point of contention in the seat-sharing calculus.
Furthermore, parallel talks are ongoing with the Congress. The NCP (SP) had initially approached the Congress seeking around 50 seats for the BMC elections. However, Congress functionaries have indicated a willingness to offer only about two dozen seats, citing the NCP (SP)'s limited but notable presence in specific pockets of Mumbai and a few recognizable faces in the civic body.
Another layer of complexity is the understanding between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Patil acknowledged this dynamic, stating, "There are differences and hurdles, but we hope these will be resolved." As of now, there is no official announcement on seat-sharing between Sena (UBT) and MNS either.
Positive Signals Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the lack of a final agreement, signals from the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp have been encouraging. Earlier on Friday, senior Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said his party wanted the NCP (SP) to contest the elections alongside them and expressed hope for a positive outcome from the talks.
In a move indicating preparedness, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has already begun issuing AB forms to its prospective candidates, enabling them to file nominations. This step is seen as a practical measure that does not preclude a final alliance announcement but ensures the party is ready for any eventuality.
The fluid political negotiations underscore the high stakes of the BMC elections, control of India's richest municipal corporation. All parties involved are maneuvering to secure the best possible position, with the common goal of presenting a united opposition front. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the MVA partners can bridge their differences and forge a cohesive alliance to challenge their rivals in the crucial Mumbai civic polls.
