state BJP head Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the seat-sharing formula for the 2024 assembly elections between the BJP and the CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena had been decided, with the BJP fighting for roughly 240 seats and the Sena fighting for 48.
The state assembly has a total of 288 seats.
Bawankule made the declaration during a meeting of BJP office-bearers late Friday but afterwards stated on Saturday that the seat-sharing formula had not been completed. He argued that his comments had been misconstrued.
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad stated that the party would battle for at least 130-140 seats.
“As Shiv Sena, we are going to contest at least 130 to 140 seats. Since that party (BJP) is bigger than us, surely BJP will fight on more seats. But we as Shiv Sena will not contest less than 125 seats. Party leaders should censure him (Bawankule) for making such statements,” Gaikwad said.
He further added “I want to tell him (Bawankule) this is not the Shinde faction but the Shiv Sena founded by Balasaheb Thackeray. This alliance of BJP-Shiv Sena has been made by Balasaheb. Our alliance is with PM Modi, home minister Amit Shah and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. The issue of the alliance is with these leaders. If any other leader is making any announcement, his words have no meaning.”
Bawankule stated that he made the comment that the BJP planned to contest 240 seats in the forthcoming assembly elections while advising party office-bearers on election preparation so that they could be ready. On Saturday, Bawankule claimed that his address had not been presented in its entirety.
