Pune: Big split likely in Maha Yuti before State Assembly elections

Pune: The Maha Yuti is preparing well for the State polls after suffering a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. However, the alliance partners are haggling over seat-sharing.

Claiming sources, a Marathi news channel said that plans are afoot to drive Ajit Pawar out of the Maha Yuti. The sources said that pressure is being built on him on the pretext of seat-sharing. In this backdrop, it remains to be seen if Ajit Pawar makes a big decision.

Differences in Maha Yuti

Meetings are being held by the Maha Yuti for seat-sharing. Senior leaders are busy discussing the number of seats each partner would contest. It is learnt that the constituents are frequently at dispute over the issue. The BJP and the Shiv Sena (BT) have made a plan to compel the NCP (AP) to contest independently, said the sources.

Less number of seats for NCP (AP)

If Ajit Pawar stays with the Maha Yuti, the BJP and the Shiv Sena (BT) will have less seats. But if he leaves the alliance, they will get more seats. Therefore, both these parties are pressuring Pawar to walk out of the alliance, said the sources. If he stays put in the Maha Yuti, Pawar will get the least seats.

Will Ajit Pawar leave Maha Yuti?

If Ajit Pawar is not happy with the number of seats, he has no other option but to quit the Maha Yuti. On the other hand, many BJP aspirants are preparing to contest against the NCP (AP) candidates, which will be a big headache for Pawar. Therefore, he may leave the alliance on the pretext of failed seat-sharing talks, said the sources.

According to the sources, a seat-sharing formula has not been decided in the Maha Yuti. But the BJP is likely to contest 170-180 seats. The Shiv Sena (BT) has demanded 100 seats. The party will be happy to get at least 90 seats. Though Ajit Pawar has demanded 80-90 seats, his party may not get more than 20-25 seats.