Mumbai: Nominations for the Maharashtra assembly elections close today, but the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi still haven’t finalized their seat-sharing arrangements. Candidates can withdraw until November 4, with voting for all 288 seats scheduled for November 20.
So far, over 3,259 candidates have registered, with the BJP fielding 146 candidates, the NCP-Ajit Pawar 49, and the Shiv Sena-Shinde faction 65. The alliances are still undecided on about 26 seats each. Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi is grappling with seat-sharing disputes in 27 constituencies, with Congress announcing 102 candidates, Shiv Sena-UBT 84, and NCP-Sharad Pawar 76.
The Congress faces pressure from the Samajwadi Party for 12-18 seats. Some leaders and sitting MLAs, unhappy with being denied tickets, are considering running as independents. Notably, Shiv Sena’s Srinivas Vanga has gone “missing” after not receiving a ticket, while former BJP MLA Atul Shah is contesting as an independent in Mumbadevi after being denied a nomination.
Maha Vikas Aghadi is worst affected in this matter. It has earlier dedided on 85 formula but then a Congress leader changed to 90. It led to refusal from leaders within the coalition. Congress is adamant at its attempt to contest most seats.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut threatened to field candidates opposite Congress from Solapur (South). He also claimed that it could lead to similar actions and will create problems within the coaliton.
