Maharashtra: 18-19 MLAs To Change Parties, Will NDA Survive?

The 2024 Lok Sabha election results could influence the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, as the BJP faced setbacks while the All INDIA Alliance gained momentum. This has sparked potential turmoil in Maharashtra politics, with reports suggesting that 18-19 MLAs are considering leaving Ajit Pawar’s faction to rejoin Sharad Pawar’s faction.

Sharad Pawar’s grandson, Rohit Pawar, claimed that several MLAs from Ajit Pawar’s faction are in regular contact and wish to rejoin the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Rohit Pawar mentioned that approximately 18-19 MLAs are considering this move. However, he emphasized that those who have stood by Sharad Pawar during challenging times are more valuable to the party and will always remain a priority.

Before the Lok Sabha elections, NCP leaders Nilesh Lanke and Bajrang Sonawane joined Sharad Pawar’s faction. The party nominated Lanke for the Ahmednagar seat and Sonawane for the Beed seat, and both secured victories. Observing the INDIA Alliance’s strong position in the state, some MLAs are now reaching out to the party. This indicates that significant changes might occur before the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ajit Pawar’s NCP won just one seat, while the BJP secured nine and Shiv Sena won seven. Out of Maharashtra’s 48 seats, the NDA alliance claimed 17 seats. In contrast, Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SCP) won eight seats, Congress secured 13, and Shiv Sena (UBT) also won eight. Consequently, the INDIA alliance garnered 29 seats.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are scheduled in a few months, with a total of 288 seats up for grabs. This sets the stage for a potentially close contest between the NDA and the All India Alliance.

Also Read: 17 Non-NDA, Non-INDIA Candidates Who Won In Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Who Are They?