Party to hold more seat sharing talks, but has simultaneously launched poll preparations in 288 segments
Despite BJP's aggressive posture in staking claim over more seats during alliance talk, Shiv Sena at the first formal meeting with its ally on Wednesday evening stuck to its guns demanding the implementation of 144:144 seat sharing formula for the ensuing assembly election slated for October.
Shiv Sena down-played media reports about BJP contesting 160 seats leaving just 110 seats to it and balance 18 to BJP's allies. Shiv Sena, which was represented by the veteran leader and industries minister Subhash Desai, has reportedly conveyed to BJP ministers Chandrakant Patil and Girish Mahajan that 144:144 formula sealed during the meeting held before Lok Sabha poll among Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, CM Devendra Fadnavis and BJP president Amit Shah should be implemented in true letter and spirit. Besides, Shiv Sena insisted that it will not compromise on equal sharing of responsibilities including Chief Minister's post for two and half years each.
Sena leader, who is close confidant of party chief Uddhav Thackeray, told DNA, "There has not been any change in party's stand on 144:144 seat sharing formula with sharing of Chief Minister's post for two and half years each. Party will continue to press the same during its negotiations with BJP.'' He further revealed that the party will engage itself with BJP on seat sharing talks but hinted that it has simultaneously launched poll preparations in all 288 assembly segments.
Wednesday's meeting took place at the time when BJP state unit chief and revenue minister Chandrakant Patil has recently clarified that it would be difficult for his party to accept 135:135:18 or 144:144 seat sharing formula considering its increased strength across the state. He reminded that BJP had won 122 seats in last assembly poll but with four entrants from other parties and six independents supporting the government taking it's claim strength to 132 seats which it will put on the table while discussing seat sharing. In such a scenario, if BJP will have to contest 135 seats, it means the party will have just three seats for new entrants. On the other hand, Shiv Sena will get 72 seats in addition to what the party had bagged 63 seats in 2014 election under the 135:135:18 formula.
Similarly, BJP has sent a clear signal to Shiv Sena that there has not been any agreement reached so far on sharing CM's post. Interestingly, BJP and Sena are currently in the midst of giving entry to Congress and NCP leaders to spread their wings. However, both the parties admit that united they win divided they may lose. Further, BJP was emboldened after the findings of its internal survey which predicted the party with its allies will comfortably win 229 of the total 288 seats. Of the 229, BJP expects to bag 160 plus seats and thereby becoming a claimant for CM's post.
Hard Bargain
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| BJP opposed to 144:144 or 135:135:18 seat sharing formula with Shiv Sena |
| Shiv Sena is adamant on equal seat sharing and responsibilities including CM’s post |
| Sena has launched its poll preparations in all 288 seats if BJP decides to go solo at the last moment |
| BJP and Sena have opened up their doors for Congress and NCP leaders |
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