BJP and Sena will poll over 1.70 cr votes in Maha polls: Patil

Asserting that the BJP and Shiv Sena together will poll more than 1.70 crore votes in upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra, state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil Monday said the saffron combine would win more than 220 seats out of total 288. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party event.

"Total number of votes in Maharashtra is 4.5 crore, and to form a government, any party would require 1.70 crore votes. I am sure the BJP and the Shiv Sena would poll more votes and will together win over 220 seats," said Patil who also holds Revenue portfolio. On sharing of seats between the BJP and the Sena for the polls, he said the decision would be taken by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

When asked about his recent statement that BJP alone can win 170 seats, he evaded a direct reply. "The BJP and the Sena fighting separately against the Congress--NCP alliance would be a bit risky. Both the parties cannot take that risk and the Sena also knows this," he said.

Responding to a query, Patil said he would contest elections if his party asks him to. In 2014 elections, the BJP had won 122 seats and the Sena, which had contested separately, bagged 63..