SSS asks Sena-BJP to come to agreement, ticks off BJP

Venting the unease among the smaller partners of the opposition alliance 'Mahayuti', Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna leader Raju Shetti today asked Shiv Sena and BJP to finalise the seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra Assembly polls at the earliest.
Shetti also stated that BJP should stop "creating hurdles" in the finalisation of deal.
RPI leader Ramdas Athawale, whose party is also a member of Sena-BJP-led Mahayuti, had yesterday appealed leaders of both the parties to reach agreement expeditiously.
"I met (Shiv Sena chief) Uddhav Thackeray today and asked for 13 seats (for SSS). People have high expectations from Mahayuti. They should, therefore, sort out seat-sharing pact at the earliest and focus on campaigning now," Shetti said after meeting Uddhav at his residence 'Matoshree' here.

Tension between Sena and BJP, the two major partners of Mahayuti, is rising over BJP's demand of more seats this time.
Shetti said it was a pity that the two senior alliance partners had not yet concluded the talks.

"It has been sometime now since the EC declared polling dates. The situation has become difficult for the smaller alliance partners as the talks between the two parties still remain inconclusive. The alliance partners are eagerly awaiting final decision," Shetti said.
He also said that BJP, which is demanding 135 seats this time, should stop creating hurdles.
"The BJP is trying to create hurdles by insisting on certain number of seats... BJP should stop creating hurdles and decide on the pact at the earliest," he said.