During its core committee meeting on Monday, the BJP discussed all 288 seats in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, despite fighting for only 164 seats in the 2019 elections. A source, assigned a crucial role for Maharashtra, informed that BJP must take care of the entirety of the state. The source stated that the BJP is adopting a comprehensive strategy, not leaving seats to chance but providing data to assist them in securing victory and increasing the overall number of seats.
Following the meeting, Maharashtra BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule told reporters that the party has focused its talks on its own seats and allies who have switched sides. However, there were heated debates regarding over 100 seats that the BJP is guaranteed to contest and more. These electoral districts were thoroughly examined, where incumbent MLAs will need to be allocated a ticket.
Sources in the BJP have indicated that, in contrast to other states, the saffron party is expected to re-nominate a significant number of its current MLAs. They also mentioned that the initial list could contain the names of veteran MLAs and current ministers.
Sources also mentioned that the seat-sharing agreements with its allies in the Mahayuti will be finalized soon in a manner that ensures “everyone is satisfied”. The source stated that nobody was leaving, as per their knowledge. However, what is the BJP’s plan in achieving this? The source responded by saying, “That is our area of expertise.”
The central election committee (CEC) meeting, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Rajnath Singh, will be held on October 16. During the core group meeting, sources also mentioned that the BJP discussed the possibility of presenting an agenda for the upcoming high-level meeting. What is on the schedule? The Maharashtra MPs who ran in the recent Lok Sabha elections and were defeated are wondering if they are allowed to participate in the assembly polls. However, this relies on approval from the CEC.