Upset allies claim Sena, BJP eating into their share to keep alliance going

While the Shiv Sena and BJP may have reached a compromise, the smaller allies are feeling left out. The Sena-BJP combine is expected to allot around 12-14 seats to their four other allies.

While the Shiv Sena and BJP may have reached a compromise, the smaller allies are feeling left out. The Sena-BJP combine is expected to allot around 12-14 seats to their four other allies.

The allies, who have influence in a few pockets of the state, claimed that the two parties sacrificed the smaller parties for their interests.
Vinayak Mete, head of Shiv Sangram Party, which is expected to get 1-2 seats, said, “They have reached a compromise by taking away our seats.

This is not acceptable. I have told my workers to file papers from 50 constituencies.”
Mahadev Jankar, president, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, said he was being forced out of the Mahayuti. “I have a list of 125 candidates ready with me.

If my demand for seven seats is not accepted, we will fight alone,” he said.
Jankar, a well-known leader from the Dhangar community, had contested the Lok Sabha election from the Baramati constituency and had given a tough fight to Supriya Sule, daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

Another main ally, the Republican Party of India (RPI), who has been flip-flopping in its demand for seats, said the Sena-BJP should allot at least 20 seats to the other allies. “The RPI wanted at least 10 seats, but we are willing to settle for less as we have decided to remain with the Mahayuti to defeat this Congress-NCP alliance,” said RPI chief Ramdas Athawale.

The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana led by MP Raju Shetti was upset with the development. Shetti, who was in Kolhapur, came to Mumbai to meet the Mahayuti.