Maharashtra assembly polls: NCP sticks to demand for 144 seats

However, clarifies that party will abide by central leadership's decision

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday reiterated that it had not left its claim for an equal share in the seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress in the Maharashtra Assembly poll slated for October 15. This is despite the Congress hardening its stand against NCP's proposal.

“Talks on seat-sharing are taking place between the central leaderships of both Congress and NCP. However, NCP is keen to get 144 seats (30 more seats compared to 114 seats which it fought in 2009). The ball is in the Congress’ court,” said incumbent deputy chief minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who has been at the forefront to press for NCP getting 144 seats.

Pawar was speaking to reporters after seven independent legislators on Monday formally joined NCP. Pawar also indicated they would be nominated by NCP from their respective Assembly constituencies in the state polls. He also sent a signal to the Congress that NCP had a natural claim over the seats represented by those seven legislators in the 2009 Assembly elections.

The seven independent legislators include: Dilip Sopal (Barshi), Mansingh Naik (Shirola), Babasaheb Patil (Ahmedpur), Balasaheb Patil (North Karhad), Makrand Patil (Wai), Krishibhushan Patil (Amalner) and Sharad Gavit (Navapur). This apart, the Congress’ former legislator and a close confidant of state industries minister Narayan Rane, Rajan Teli, also joined NCP.

Last week, four independents — Shirish Chaudhari, Suresh Jethlia, Vasant Chavan and Jaiprakash Gore — had joined the Congress.