While the negotiations between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena are taking twists and turns each day and the stalemate over more than 10 to 12 seats across Maharashtra continues, four partners of the saffron alliance have also started mounting pressure for more seats. The BJP, however, on the other hand, has started striking a dialogue with each partner individually.
Four alliance partners, the Republican Party of India (RPI) led by Ramdas Athavale, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana of Raju Shetty, Rashtriya Samaj Party of Mahadeo Jankar and Vinayak Mete-led Shiv Sangram Party have started putting forth their demands for seats more aggressively as a last ditch effort before the two major stake holders arrive at a decision over finalizing the seat-sharing issue.
BJP sources claimed that the seat sharing will come to a final stage within two to three days as stalemate over these 10 to 12 seats may get resolved. The BJP – Sena will come to a conclusion as a formula is being worked out rigorously from both the sides.
Meanwhile, party sources claimed that the state BJP core committee members have finalized candidates of all the seats and may declare the names and constituencies within two to three days. Top leaders of the party have given clear indications to the sitting MLAs to start working in their constituencies.
On Wednesday, Raju Shetty of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana met state BJP president Devendra Fadnavis to negotiate over the seat sharing issue. While Shetty has demanded 13 seats for his party, BJP is trying to settle on a single digit number. However, a visibly upset Shetty said that there are only four seats with the BJP which they are eyeing, adding, "Other seats are in the Sena's kitty. We have demanded the seats of our choice. Now, it is up to both the parties to decide and ensure that we are given our rightful share. We have extended our support to the saffron alliance, so noone should think that we have surrendered. We have our individual identity of representing farmers and we have our pockets of strongholds," said Shetty.
Shetty has demanded Chikhli (Buldhana), Balapur (Akola), Southern Kolhapur, Shirole (Kolhapur) which are with BJP out of total 13 seats. Vinayak Mete of Shiv Sangram Party has asked for six seats and Mahadeo Jankar demanded 50 seats apart from RPI(A), who has presented a long list of demands.
However, party sources said that the BJP – Sena together have come to the conclusion of allotting a maximum of 24 to 28 seats maximum amongst all four parties. "While Shetty's party may get 12, Mete and Jankar's party might get four each and RPI(A) may get eight seats. But, there are several seats which are claimed by more than one party. A lot of them especially wants to field candidates against the CM and DCM as a prestige issue," said party sources.
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