Maharashtra polls: BJP waits for auspicious moment to declare candidate list

After a series of hard bargaining, the Shiv Sena and BJP seem to have come up with a seat-sharing formula for themselves as well as their smaller alliances. Highly placed sources say that both the parties have also decided the candidates to be fielded.

While the BJP is ready with the names of its candidates, it is in no hurry to bring out the list. Sources said the party is waiting for an auspicious moment, especially considering that the
Pitru Paksh, which is considered inauspicious, is on. With stakes high, it doesn't mind being labelled superstitious.

Sources said the party's parliamentary committee is likely to endorse the names on Monday afternoon and the list would be out in the evening, which is supposed to be a Sarva Siddhi Muhurat – believed to be an auspicious time.

"Most of the candidates will do all the ground level work before the Navaratri festival and start their full-fledged campaign from September 25. This leaves only 20 days for the big job," he said.

One of the major reasons behind BJP was delaying the list is also because they were hoping , until the last minute, to get an equal share in saffron alliance. However, the talks in past few days seem to have failed.

"BJP might get a maximum 125 to 130 seats. The party is planning to give tickets to all sitting MLAs in the first list. But there are several seats where more than two or three aspirants. This is going to make things difficult for the senior leadership as fire-fighting at the last minute may prove fruitful. It will only lead to resentment,"said the source.