Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis may reach out to Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray soon to discuss the seat-sharing talks between the two parties in a run-up to the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 and for Assembly polls slated later next year.
According to state BJP functionary, BJP is considering Shiv Sena an equal partner while determining the seat-sharing formula for the 48 Lok Sabha and 288 Assembly seats of the state.
Reportedly, Both Parties were in confusion over a pre-poll alliance owing to which Shiv Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ lowers down the attacks on BJP and Chief Minister. Those familiar with development believed that after Maratha Reservation Bill, Thackrey Led Shiv Sena toned down its attack on Chief Minister.
“There has been a change in Shiv Sena approach towards BJP, especially after the Maratha Reservation Act, and also the kind of arrangements BJP’s government made in Uttar Pradesh for Uddhav’s visit,” said a Sena leader.
Moreover, Bhartiya Janata Party, Maharashtra held a meeting to discuss the strategies for Lok Sabha Polls. ‘The NCP–Congress alliance automatically set a platform for BJP and Sena alliance in the state. However, BJP’s electoral setback in state assembly polls may embolden the Shiv Sena to strike a hard bargain when it comes to the number and choice of seats in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls,” the leader added.
A Sena leader said that ‘We are not against the pre-poll alliance but it is the time that BJP should start treating regional partners equally’. While Bhartiya Janata Party Spokesperson Madhav Bhandari, said, “BJP has always wanted to form an alliance with the Sena. We don’t want our votes to be divided. The ball is in Sena’s court.”
Another BJP insider told that BJP this time is looking to get smaller parties like – Ramdas Athawale’s Republican Party of India (A), Mahadeo Jhankar’s Rashtriya Samaj Party and Sadabhau Khot of Swabhimani Shetkari Party – under its ambit.
ALSO READ: Devendra Fadnavis meets PM, Briefs him on Maharashtra drought situation