BJP insists on contesting 150-160 seats, Maha Yuti seat-sharing formula finalised

Mumbai: The BJP’s State Core Committee meeting was held at Sagar Bungalow, the official residence of DyCM Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday night. It was learnt that the party will contest 150-160 seats. This indicates that the Maha Yuti has decided on the seat-sharing formula.

It has been decided that the sitting MLAs will be re-nominated for the State Assembly elections. Currently, the BJP has 105 seats while the Shiv Sena (BT) and the NCP (AP) have over 40 seats each. Therefore, discussions are being held on those seats, where there are no sitting MLAs. The BJP is firm on contesting 150-160 seats while the Shiv Sena (BT) and the NCP (AP) would get 130-135 seats.

BJP in action mode

BJP leaders are touring across the State ahead of the State elections. Union Minister Amit Shah is on a two-day tour of the State. He will interact with BJP workers in Nagpur and Ch. Sambhaji Nagar. He will also discuss the seat-sharing and poll strategies with the State Core Committee. Sources said that the BJP would focus on those seats, which are in danger.

Polling may happen in mid-November

The term of the State Assembly is ending on November 26. The election process has to be completed before that. The poll schedule could be declared around October 20. The election may be held in two phases between November 15 and 19. Results may be declared between November 21 and 23.

BJP worried about 25 seats

The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats in the last elections in the State. However, this is a tough election for the party. After its performance in the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP may find it difficult to retain its current tally. It is confident of winning 85 seats while it is focusing on the remaining seats. The RSS and the BJP are strategising for the elections.