Nagpur: As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, all major political parties have begun preparations, and an internal survey conducted by the BJP has caused a stir. According to the survey, the Mahayuti (BJP-led alliance) is expected to secure only 25 seats in the Vidarbha region, sparking concern within the alliance.
Major Blow for Mahayuti in the Assembly
The survey data indicates that the Mahayuti could face significant setbacks in the upcoming Assembly elections. After the Mahavikas Aghadi government was toppled, the Mahayuti government was formed under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. However, Ajit Pawar’s decision to join the government has drastically altered the political dynamics. Many leaders, who had been political rivals for years, are now finding themselves working together, which has led to discontent among some members of both the BJP and the Shinde faction.
Ahead of the Assembly elections, the BJP conducted a survey in Vidarbha to gauge public sentiment towards the Mahayuti government. The survey has revealed alarming numbers for the alliance, adding to their growing challenges.
Seat Predictions by Party
According to the survey, in Vidarbha, the BJP is projected to win 18 seats, the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is expected to secure 5 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction is likely to win just 2 seats. In Nagpur district, the BJP is expected to win only 4 seats. Currently, the Mahayuti holds 39 out of 62 seats in Vidarbha, but the survey indicates a potential decline in their support. In the 2019 elections, the BJP had 7 out of 12 seats in Nagpur district, but the survey suggests they may now secure only 4.
Historically, the BJP had a stronger hold in Vidarbha, winning 42 out of 62 seats in 2014 and 29 in 2019. The NCP had 5 MLAs in 2019, with 4 seats under Ajit Pawar’s faction, while the Shiv Sena held 3 seats. The Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena currently has the support of 3 independents, bringing their total to 6 MLAs in Vidarbha.
Tensions Over Candidate Selection
There is ongoing friction between the NCP, BJP, and Shiv Sena regarding candidate selection in key constituencies. During a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mahayuti leaders from Maharashtra were urged to resolve disputes over contentious constituencies as quickly as possible. It is expected that a high-level meeting of senior Mahayuti leaders will be held this week to reach a consensus on these issues.
As election day nears, the internal dynamics within the Mahayuti will play a crucial role in determining their performance, especially in key regions like Vidarbha, where the survey results have raised concerns.
