Mahayuti BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP Unite to Contest 17 Legislative Council Seats
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, jointly announced their candidates for 17 Legislative Council seats, aiming to address internal discontent ahead of the June 18 elections.
Highlights
- •17 Legislative Council seats
- •Mahayuti alliance unity
- •BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP candidates
- •Consensus among top leadership
Mumbai: In an effort to address mounting discontent within the ruling coalition, the Mahayuti alliance–comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP’s senior leaders jointly announced their official candidates for 17 Legislative Council seats. Ravindra Chavan from the BJP, Sunil Tatkare of NCP, and Rahul Shewale representing Shiv Sena projected a united front, emphasizing consensus among all three parties.
During the announcement, the alliance leaders affirmed that they have finalised a seat-sharing arrangement with complete consensus amongst top leadership. The BJP will contest 11 seats, while Shiv Sena and NCP will field candidates in four and two seats respectively. This decision is expected to assuage internal tensions ahead of the Legislative Council elections set for June 18.
Facing Internal Dissent
Representatives from the coalition admitted addressing visible unrest triggered by a series of rebel nominations and public disagreements over ticket distribution. Leaders pledged that dissenters would heed party directives and withdraw their candidature before the nomination deadline.
"The division of seats and selection of candidates were done collectively with complete consensus, backed fully by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar. There is no rift," Chavan said.
Tatkare dismissed rumoured reports of major disputes within the alliance, emphasizing that all leaders were involved throughout the candidate selection process to maintain unity.
Shewale reported ongoing efforts to address internal concerns and ensure coordinated fieldwork at the grassroots level. "We are confident of winning all 17 Legislative Council seats," he added.
