In Maharashtra politics, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is in the news these days for two reasons. The first reason is the question whether Ajith will contest from his stronghold Baramati or not. Addressing the people from a platform in Baramati 5 days ago, Ajith said that I have contested many elections and have no interest in contesting now.
Another reason why Ajith is in the political headlines is the announcement of the names of the candidates in an open forum amidst the ongoing suspense over seat sharing in the NDA. Ajith has so far announced the names of candidates for 2 seats in Maharashtra. Interestingly, Shiv Sena (Shinde) is claiming both the seats.
Ajith announced the names on these two seats
1. Ajit Pawar announced Narahari Jirwal as a candidate from Dindori seat two months ago. Girwal is currently the Deputy Speaker in the Legislative Assembly. Jirwal’s announcement angered Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Shinde’s army is claiming the Dindori seat. However, Ajith’s group says that he should get this seat under the seat sharing formula.
2. A day ago, Ajit Pawar has announced Dilip Mohit Patil as the candidate from Khed-Alindi seat. Addressing a meeting here, Ajit Pawar said that you people should elect him and send him to the House. We will work to make him a big man. Shiv Sena (Shinde) is also claiming the Khed-Alindi seat.
Trouble over seat distribution in NDA in Maharashtra
Ahead of the elections in Maharashtra, there is a dilemma regarding the distribution of seats in the NDA. NDA consists of 6 parties including BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde) and NCP (Ajit). Seats are to be shared between these parties. It is being said that the issue of seat sharing between the three parties is not being resolved.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP is claiming around 90 seats in Maharashtra. Similarly Shiv Sena (Shinde) is claiming 100-110 seats. Three smaller parties are also contesting for 40 seats.
There are two debates going on in the NDA regarding the seat sharing controversy. As per the first discussion, Ajit Pawar’s party may get 50-55 seats, Eknath Shinde’s party may get 70-80 seats. While BJP can contest on 140 seats.
According to another discussion, the three parties may contest 20-25 seats in a friendly fight and the remaining seats may be distributed on merit. There are about 55 such seats in Maharashtra, where all three parties have contested.
Then why is Ajith declaring himself as a candidate?
The big question is that there has been no discussion on seat sharing between the NDA parties in Maharashtra. Why is Ajit Pawar announcing the names of the candidates in such a situation? There has also been a political uproar over the name of Narahari Jirwal, the candidate announced by him.
Sources say that by announcing the names of the candidates, Ajith is trying to solve two political equations simultaneously. First, all the seats for which Ajit Pawar has declared candidates are NCP seats.
By announcing the names of the candidates, Ajith is sending a message to the alliance partners that there will be no compromise on seat distribution. During the NCP coup in 2023, 42 MLAs joined the government with Ajit Pawar.
Another reason behind announcing the names of the candidates is Ajith’s attempt to convey a political message. In fact, there are many speculations going on simultaneously in the corridors of Maharashtra regarding NCP (Ajit). These range from their position in coalitions to their role in seat allocation.
It is being said that for this reason those leaders and activists are also leaving Ajit’s side, who had joined him a year ago. To strengthen this position, Ajith is announcing the names of the candidates in an open forum.
