BJP and allies narrow down differences to about 12 seats, pledge to contain rebellions

NEW DELHI: Mahayuti allies in Maharashtra , after a marathon meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday, have narrowed down their differences on seat sharing to barely 12 seats, mainly in Mumbai and adjoining areas, and also took a joint pledge to stem rebellions and ensure compliance of the agreements reached among them to avoid "friendly contests".

BJP , Shiv Sena (Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar) decided to keep the decision on the 12 seats, essentially a bone of discord between BJP and Sena, hanging until close to the last day of filing papers so that those who might feel cheated don't bolt out.Sources said BJP might get to contest over 155 seats. Sena share may be in the 80-85 region, what is somewhat lower than the tally it had in mind. The rest of the seats would go to NCP (Ajit). The allies have so far released a list for 182 seats - BJP (99), Shiv Sena (45), and NCP (38) - but they are yet to announce nominees in the remaining 106 seats.

After BJP released its first list of 99 candidates last Sunday, Sena workers opposed its candidates in at least four seats - Kalyan East, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Murbad. It was learnt that state functionaries assured Shah of adherence to " coalition dharma " and stick to the formula on the basis of which seat-sharing arrangements have been made. They also assured no support to rebels.

There was also an understanding, sources said, that controversial NCP leader Nawab Malik would not be fielded as BJP and Sena expressed discomfort in view of charges against him. His daughter Sana Malik , however, is likely to contest as an NCP nominee. Besides, there will not be any changes in the candidates announced so far.