Maharashtra's Mahayuti Alliance Gears Up for Unified Election Campaign

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared that the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP factions, will contest upcoming elections collectively. Development projects done over the past years serve as their platform. Shinde also addressed seat-sharing issues and announced a new regulatory framework for resolving the pagdi system dilemma.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Friday that the Mahayuti alliance will enter the forthcoming elections as a unified force at both local and state levels. He emphasized that the alliance's developmental achievements over the past three-and-a-half years will underpin their campaign strategy.

Shinde acknowledged seat-sharing tensions within the alliance, noting the abundance of aspirants. "In an alliance, many are seeking positions, but we will ensure accommodations for them," he stated. On Monday, Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, conducted a 90-minute meeting where they decided to contest municipal elections, including those in Mumbai and Thane, collectively.

Present at the meeting were State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Chavan. They agreed that party members from BJP and Shiv Sena would not switch allegiances, ensuring unity in the civic polls that will see the Mahayuti alliance face off against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Responding to Aaditya Thackeray's comments on government decisions about the pagdi system, Shinde defended the move, announcing a separate regulatory framework to address redevelopment issues. He pledged to protect both tenants and landlords. Additionally, Shinde extended birthday greetings to NCP chief Sharad Pawar amid these political developments.

(With inputs from agencies.)