NCP Gains Momentum: BJP Leaders Switch Sides as Maharashtra Elections Loom

Ahead of the crucial Maharashtra elections, BJP leaders Nishikant Bhosale Patil and Sanjaykaka Patil joined the NCP under Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's eye. Major seat distribution discussions ensue within the Mahayuti alliance, as the opposition and ruling blocks kick off their campaigns, with polls set for November.

In a significant political shift ahead of Maharashtra's elections, BJP leaders Nishikant Bhosale Patil and former MP Sanjaykaka Patil have officially joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Their addition to the NCP was overseen by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, positioning them as candidates for the upcoming 2024 elections in Tasgaon and Islampur.

A key strategic meeting took place in Delhi on Thursday, involving BJP's Home Minister Amit Shah and leaders from the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, as they strategize for the state elections. Attendees included Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, among other political figures. Despite preliminary candidate lists, the alliance faces contention over 106 seats, with ongoing negotiations to resolve seat sharing among the parties.

The meeting concluded with an agreement on most seats, leaving some undecided, which will be determined based on each party's electoral prospects. Plans for further discussions are set in Mumbai. As election date approaches, both ruling and opposition alliances accelerate preparations, with elections on November 20 and results on November 23. Past elections saw BJP and Shiv Sena leading in seat counts, sparking intensified efforts this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)