Formula cracked as MahaYuti, MVA arrive at Maha seat deal

UPCOMING ELECTION AFTER a series of brainstorming sessions, the main political coalitions in Maharashtra - the Maha Yuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- have agreed on seat-sharing arrangements for the Assembly polls which are likely soon.

- SUDHIR SURRYAWANSHI

A final announcement is expected soon.

According to sources in Mahayuti, the BJP has decided to contest between 150 and 160 seats in the 288-member Assembly, while CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena will get 80 to 90 seats, and his deputy Ajit Pawar's NCP 40 to 50 seats.

Of the 150 seats, the BJP targets at least 80 to emerge as the single largest party, while its current tally is 105 in the Assembly. "If Shinde manages 50 seats and NCP bags even 50% of its contested seats, which is 20, Maha Yuti will continue to rule the state. Once we are close to forming the govt, the independents will extend their support," said a senior BJP leader.