MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi late Friday night. However, the BJP has reportedly refused to concede a single additional seat to alliance partners for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Highly placed sources revealed that Shinde first met Shah, followed by Ajit Pawar who met Shah in Delhi. However, the deadlock over Lok Sabha seat sharing persists between these alliance partners. Commenting on their meeting with the BJP leadership, CM Shinde stated that discussions on seat sharing are ongoing and an amicable resolution is expected soon.
“The BJP has offered nine seats to Shiv Sena (Shinde) and four seats to Ajit Pawar-led NCP, contrary to their demand for 18 and nine Lok Sabha seats respectively. BJP leadership informed both Shinde and Ajit Pawar that conceding more seats to them would risk losing those seats. Each seat holds significant importance in this Lok Sabha election, as indicated by multiple internal survey reports of the BJP. The alliance partners were urged not to insist on additional seats if they genuinely wish to see Narendra Modi re-elected as Prime Minister for the third time,” said a source, requesting anonymity.
The late-night meeting between Shah, Shinde, and Pawar concluded early Saturday morning. Despite extensive negotiations, the BJP refused to give up any Lok Sabha seat.
The alliance partners proposed fielding strong candidates from their parties under the BJP symbol on a few seats to save face and maintain unity. The BJP has promised to consider the suggestion and give feedback, according to a source.
Meanwhile, a senior NCP leader expressed concern, stating that accepting four Lok Sabha seats would effectively end their political influence in the state.