As per a recent update, a feeling of discontent has emerged within the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) in Maharashtra due to a large number of people joining the BJP. Ministers from the Shinde faction even boycotted a cabinet meeting. Later, Shiv Sena dismissed reports suggesting a rift between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah over the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming state assembly elections.
As per the media report, Amit Shah held a private meeting with Shinde in Chandigarh late last night, following a larger gathering with Mahayuti alliance leaders. The one-on-one meeting between Shah and Shinde lasted 10 to 15 minutes and focused on finalising the distribution of seats for the polls.
According to media reports, Shah has called an important meeting in Delhi on Friday, where the final seat-sharing formula is expected to be sealed. This crucial gathering will include Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, as well as Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
A News18 report further suggests that once the top Mahayuti leaders finalise the distribution of seats, the alliance will begin releasing its candidate list. It was initially expected that the BJP might unveil its first list of candidates on Friday, but due to Shah’s meeting, the announcement may now be delayed.
What Led to the Speculation
Local media had earlier reported that Amit Shah had advised Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to compromise on a few seats since the BJP had already shown flexibility by sharing the CM’s post with Shiv Sena. These reports sparked speculation that Shinde was unhappy with the proposed seat-sharing plan.
To dispel the rumours, Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar dismissed the claims during a recent press conference in Mumbai, calling them baseless fabrications by certain media outlets.
Seat-sharing remains a crucial factor in determining the coalition’s strength across key constituencies. Once the formula is finalised, candidate lists are expected to be released after Shah’s meeting in Delhi. With election preparations entering the final stage, observers are watching closely to see how alliance leaders balance party interests while presenting a unified front.
