Maharashtra Lok Sabha election 2024: All you need to know about BJP-led Mahayuti

As Maharashtra braces itself for the upcoming general elections, political parties are engaged in intense discussions over seat-sharing arrangements with their allies. At the heart of the electoral battle in the state lie the two major coalitions—the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi—each vying for supremacy in the race for the 48 Lok Sabha seats.

Comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Mahayuti alliance is gearing up for a closely contested electoral showdown. Scheduled in five phases from April 19 to May 20, the general elections in Maharashtra will witness a significant voter turnout, with each phase posing its own set of challenges for the contesting parties.

With just days remaining before the commencement of polling, the Mahayuti partners find themselves embroiled in discussions over the allocation of seats, particularly concerning nine constituencies slated for the third, fourth, and fifth phases. Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Satara, Aurangabad, Nashik, Thane, Palghar, Mumbai South, Mumbai North West, and Mumbai North Central remain contentious seats where consensus has yet to be reached among the coalition partners. Despite the efforts of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), and Ajit Pawar (NCP) to present a united front, seat-sharing negotiations have progressed sluggishly.

With the BJP aiming to contest a significant number of seats and the NCP, Shiv Sena, and other allies also eyeing substantial representation, the central leadership has emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony within the coalition. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi sets ambitious electoral targets, the need for a united front becomes paramount for the Mahayuti.

In a bid to rally party workers and foster unity, leaders like Shinde and Fadnavis have emphasized the larger goal of securing a third term for the alliance, urging supporters to set aside differences and work towards the common objective. As Maharashtra braces for a momentous electoral battle, the outcome of seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahayuti is poised to shape the political landscape of the state for years to come.