BJP-Sena seat sharing talks this week - Times of India

NAGPUR: The sharp exchange of words notwithstanding, seat sharing talks between BJP and its ally Shiv Sena will begin in Mumbai this week. Prime minister Narendra Modi has already stated that unless Sena reduced its seat share by 15, BJP would break off the alliance. This statement was issued after a meeting with state level office-bearers.

While Sena is not ready to reduce its quota of 171 seats, BJP is not satisfied with 117 seats in its share. A senior BJP leader, however, said that both parties knew that contesting the elections independently would be political suicide. "A solution that is acceptable to both parties will be found," he said and dismissed rumours that BJP would go in for Narayan Rane and MNS if Sena did not relent.

In the meeting, BJP will be represented by state president Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Khadse and Vinod Tawde while Sena will be represented by executive president Uddhav Thackerary, Subhash Desai and others. Senior BJP leaders like Nitin Gadkari may also join if they do not make headway.

Explaining the need for alliance with Sena, the leader said, "Even though we don't need them in the Centre, it is very difficult to secure power without them in the state. There are also several local bodies where they are our allies. So the break up will create problems for both there too," he said.

The leader stated that the talks may be held for several rounds as Sena was reluctant to reduce its share of seats. "The old formula is invalid this time in any case because we have three allies ? Shetkari Swabhimani Paksh, RPI (A), Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP) and Maratha leader Vinayak Mete's outfit. They are demanding their share so the old formula is history," he said.

According to the BJP leader, Sena was not in a position to contest independently or even by joining hands with NCP. "Most of their MPs won because of Modi wave. If they break off, they will pay the price," he said. Another BJP leader said both parties wanted the seat sharing alliance to be completed fast so that selection of candidates could start.

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