Already struggling with seat-sharing, the Shiv Sena and BJP are now caught in a tussle over 7 seats that each does not want to part with. Both parties are refusing to let go of the seats, some of which their candidates have failed to win in the past. At least seven seats in Mumbai are caught in this tug-of-war.
Sources from the saffron alliance claimed that party workers both the sides were mounting pressure, and if their wants go unheard, the repercussions will have to be borne during the elections.
Allies eyeing each other's plum seats
Sources claimed that with the victory in the recent Lok Sabha elections, both Sena and BJP party workers are quite pumped. They are, on one hand, not willing to leave any of their existing seats, but on the other eyeing the plum seats of their alliance partner. Out of the 36 assembly constituencies in Mumbai, both Sena and BJP are eyeing at least seven seats.
RPI too throws hat in ring
The Sena and BJP have another ally to compete with, Ramdas Athavale's RPI (A), which has shown keen interest in Chembur constituency, which neither the Sena or BJP are ready to part with. The situation is significant even as both major parties of the alliance are yet to arrive on the number of seats they are ready to let go off.
Scrambling for seats
In the last assembly elections, Ghatkopar (West) was a newly demarcated constituency eyed by both parties. However, when BJP declared the name of Poonam Mahajan, sitting MP from the north-central parliamentary constituency, the Sena had to step back. However, later BJP workers in the constituency claimed that they did not get any support from their counterparts. This time the Sena has vociferously demanded this seat.
While BJP has demanded Vile Parle (East) in lieu of the Kalina constituency, which is the Sena's stronghold, there are 4 other important constituencies where both Sena and BJP members have expressed interest. Athavale, RPI (A), has demanded Chembur constituency, claiming a voter base in this constituency. But the Sena, whose candidate Rahul Shewale won the parliamentary elections recently, has a stronghold in the area. BJP is eyeing this seat too.
Leadership must sort this out
"Even during the Lok Sabha elections, though the leaders had issued clear-cut instructions, neither of the party workers helped the candidates of their alliance partners. However, we sailed through that time. But neither of the parties can take the risk this time. It is up to the leadership as to how they will tackle this delicate issue," said a source.
Seats of CONTENTION
Andheri (West): presently with Shiv Sena, eyed by BJP's Dilip Patel
Vile Parle: With Sena, eyed by BJP's Parag Alavani
Kalina: With BJP, wanted by Sena's Sanjay Potnis
Ghatkopar (West): With BJP, wanted by Sena
Chembur: With Sena's Rahul Shewale, wanted by BJP and Ramdas Athavale's RPI
Sion Koliwada: With BJP, wanted by Sena
Worli: Sena stronghold, wanted by BJP's Sunil Rane
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