Congress-NCP confident of 18-20 seats from Maharashtra

The Congress and NCP combine is likely to win between 18 and 20 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, an internal survey conducted by the Opposition alliance has indicated. In the 28 remaining seats too, it's likely to give a tough fight to the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, party sources said.

The sources said that the figures were derived following multiple surveys conducted over one year. "We are getting a good response in rural areas, but need to work in urban pockets. People told us they want to see Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, but still preferred to vote for Congress or NCP candidates," said a source privy to these developments.

They also said the Prakash Ambedkar-led VBA is unlikely to damage the alliance's prospects, as it would get 1 per cent vote share and no more.

A senior NCP leader said they are getting a good response. "People are unhappy with the 'anti-farmer' government. BJP is in power at Centre and in the state, but isn't able to deliver on its promises. We are confident of getting upto 28-30 seats," the leader said.

He added that farmer issues like fair prices for crops, or unemployment among the youth are major issues. "Farmers aren't happy with the way farm loan waivers were implemented. They wanted a complete loan waiver. Inflation, rising cylinder prices, high cost of education, etc. are all prominent issues," he added.

"If Marathi voters vote for us in Mumbai and the farmer block backs us in Vidarbha, we can surprise people with our tally. We are giving tickets to those who can win seats. Winnability is the main criteria," said a senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity.

Another NCP leader said Shiv Sena's backflops may cost the party. "People are angry with Sena's Uddhav Thackeray. He had earlier said they would fight the polls solo. But he then changed this decision. This hasn't gone down well with the hardcore Sainiks. This decision of the Sena will benefit us in Marathwada and western Maharashtra," he added.

THEY SAID IT

The parties said they had conducted several surveys over the last year, which said that even people who wished to see Narendra Modi return as Prime Minister would be voting for Congress or NCP candidates in Maharashtra.