Maharashtra Assembly Elections: ‘BJP-Shiv Sena Seat Sharing Tougher Than India-Pakistan Partition,’ Says Sanjay Raut

Speaking on the seat-sharing arrangement between the two parties, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has stated that 'this partition of seats is "even more terrible than the partition of India and Pakistan".

Sanjay Raut/ File Image: PTI

New Delhi: Though the process of electioneering has begun in Maharashtra for the upcoming assembly elections, the seat-sharing formula between the BJP and Shiv Sena is still not finalised. Speaking on the seat-sharing arrangement between the two parties, both of which want to contest on maximum seats, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has stated that this partition of seats is even more terrible than the partition of India and Pakistan. “Maharashtra is so huge and this division of 288 seats is even more terrible than the division  of India and Pakistan,” Raut said. “Had we sat in Opposition instead of being in government the picture today would have been different. Whatever we decide on seats we'll let you know,” he said.

However, Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrakant Patil said that the discussions on alliance are at the last stage. He also claimed that the NDA will get 220 seats in the upcoming elections. “Discussions on alliance are at the last stage. Those who are thinking that alliance will not happen are going to be disappointed,” he said. “I am confident that we will get 220 seats in the upcoming assembly elections,” he added. Around 12-crore people in the state will vote to elect 288 new representatives to the state legislature next month The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena and thier allies will make a bid to recapture power, while the Opposition Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will make a determined effort to dislodge it. However, both the alliances are still blowing hot and cold over their proposed alliances, but have assured their tie-ups are 'finalised' and will be announced shortly. It is expected that both the alliance will be declared early next week. Meanwhile, Fadnavis has dismissed media reports that the BJP will contest 162 out of total 288 seats and the Sena 126.