Mahayuti seat tussle: BJP eyes 160, Sena pushes for 100+, NCP demands 60+ for Maharashtra assembly polls

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is facing growing tension over seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming state assembly elections. With a total of 288 seats at stake, each party is keen on securing a favourable share. The BJP is pushing to contest 160 seats, aiming to replicate its strategy from the 2019 elections. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena is staking claim to 100-105 seats, and NCP is eyeing around 60-80, according to TOI.

During a recent visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Mumbai, the Shiv Sena made its case for over 100 seats. A party official explained that they had presented their electoral performance, emphasising their stronghold on Marathi and Hindutva votes. "Sena (UBT) did not get many votes on its own but benefited from strategic voting for the INDIA bloc. We need over 100 seats to take on Sena (UBT) and defeat the MVA," the functionary told TOI.

Although the election schedule has not yet been announced, sources suggest the seat-sharing formula may be finalised soon. There is speculation that Shiv Sena may settle for 80-90 seats, while NCP could receive 50-60. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar denied reports of the BJP proposing a "friendly fight" in 25 seats, dismissing the claim.


The seat-sharing process is becoming more complicated due to regional strongmen within the NCP who could disrupt Mahayuti’s election strategy. An observer pointed out that if NCP’s demand for 60-80 seats is not met, its regional leaders may align with the MVA, weakening the alliance. Despite these tensions, BJP leaders are optimistic, having secured 105 out of the 160 seats it contested in 2019. However, they acknowledge that the upcoming election will be highly competitive without the same electoral momentum as in the previous election.

BJP leaders argue that they need to contest more than 150 seats to ensure a win in at least 100, with all three Mahayuti partners required to bring significant seats to the table for government formation. NCP state chief Sunil Tatkare confirmed that Shah has assured a fair distribution of seats and promised personal intervention if necessary.

Inputs from TOI