Pune: The grand alliance in Pune is facing a potential conflict as Shiv Sena has staked a claim on three key assembly constituencies following its enhanced status in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Shiv Sena leaders have requested the allocation of Hadapsar, Wadgaonsheri, and Khadakwasla constituencies.
This demand arises despite Wadgaonsheri and Hadapsar being held by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs, and Khadakwasla by a BJP MLA, leading to a possible impasse in seat distribution.
The city BJP, reacting to Shiv Sena’s claims, has adopted a firm stance. BJP, which currently holds the Kasba assembly constituency and five other city seats, asserts that their candidates should remain in these constituencies.
Although there are internal claims within the grand alliance, the decision on seat allocation will be made by BJP’s steering committee. With the upcoming assembly elections, the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are strategizing to contest as a unified MahaYuti.
Although detailed discussions on seat distribution have not yet occurred, Shiv Sena has proactively claimed three constituencies. A formal proposal has been submitted by Shiv Sena city chief Nana Bhangire to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
In the previous assembly elections, when Shiv Sena was still united, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance did not win any city constituencies for Shiv Sena. Determined to secure more seats in the upcoming elections, Shiv Sena is leveraging its recent success under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s leadership.
In the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena won more seats despite contesting fewer, reinforcing its dominance within the grand alliance. This bolstered position has empowered Shiv Sena leaders in the city to claim the Hadapsar, Wadgaonsheri, and Khadakwasla constituencies, where they believe they hold significant influence.
Currently, BJP controls the Parvati, Kothrud, Shivajinagar, Pune Cantonment, and Khadakwasla constituencies, while Congress recently won the Kasba by-election. The Wadgaonsheri and Hadapsar constituencies are represented by NCP MLAs.
Nana Bhangira, Shiv Sena City Chief stated, "We plan to contest the assembly elections as a unified grand alliance. We have submitted a proposal to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to secure the Hadapsar, Vadgaonsheri, and Khadakwasla seats for Shiv Sena. We are confident these seats will be allocated to us within the grand alliance.”
Dheeraj Ghate, BJP City President said, "BJP MLAs currently represent Khadakwasla, Parvati, Shivajinagar, Pune Cantonment, and Kothrud. Despite losing the Kasba by-election, we believe that seat belongs to BJP. We aim to secure six seats, though the final decision on seat allocation will be made by our senior leaders.”