Mahayuti Finalizes 12:3:2 Formula for Local Body MLC Elections Amid Disputes

Mahayuti's Formula and Ongoing Disputes

The Mahayuti coalition has established a "12:3:2 formula" for the upcoming biennial MLC elections concerning local bodies. However, three seats—Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Pune—have become contentious points among the coalition partners. Tensions have arisen between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) over these seats.

Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena has laid claim to the Nashik and Sambhajinagar seats, while the NCP is asserting its interest in the Pune seat. The BJP, on the other hand, has staked its claim on all three seats.

Efforts to Resolve Disputes

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has indicated that the coalition partners will seek to resolve their disputes through dialogue. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing with the Shiv Sena regarding the Nashik and Sambhajinagar seats, and with the NCP concerning Pune. Fadnavis acknowledged that disagreements over these three contentious seats remain unresolved.

Leaders from the Shiv Sena argue that Nashik and Sambhajinagar are traditional strongholds for their party, expressing confidence in winning both seats.

NCP's Position and Shiv Sena's Demands

Conversely, the NCP claims that it has the largest number of local body representatives in Pune, making it a natural contender for that constituency. The Shiv Sena has also raised objections to the current 12:3:2 seat-sharing formula among the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, with party leaders reportedly demanding four seats instead of three. Should the Shiv Sena's request be granted, the NCP might have to settle for just one seat, potentially altering the seat distribution to 12:4:1.

Previous Meetings and Election Schedule

Earlier, senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule met with Eknath Shinde to address the issue, but the discussions did not yield any results. The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the MLC (local body) elections, with the last date for filing nominations set for June 1, voting on June 18, and counting on June 22. Elected members of local bodies and district councils will be eligible to vote in these elections.