'Mahayuti aims at 45 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra,' says CM Eknath Shinde

Ahe of Lok Sabha elections next year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said that ‘Mahayuti' (grand alliance) will focus on winning 45 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats in state. Mahayuti comprises ruling Shiv Sena led by Shinde, BJP, and NCP of Ajit Pawar faction.

Stepping up offensive against Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for reaching out to socialist parties, Shinde affirmed that move to join hands with socialist leers amounts to "ulteration" of Hindutva ideology. CM Shinde was dressing reporters while visiting a Navaratri program in Thane city shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

dressing leers of 21 socialist parties in state on Sunday, Thackeray mentioned that differences with m were mainly ideological which can be settled for cause of democracy. He ded that “many of m may be Muslims but y are nationalists who want to protect country's democracy.”

Shinde on disqualification pleas against Sena MLAs

When asked about issue of disqualification petitions filed against him and or Shiv Sena MLAs, Shinde said, "In a democracy, majority has importance and in state assembly 50 MLAs are with us, we are real Shiv Sena and this has been confirmed by Election Commission. We have faith in judiciary and court and whatever decision is to happen will happen on merit and democracy."

In June 2022, a rebellion led by Shinde and or MLAs resulted in a division within Shiv Sena and downfall of Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghi government. Subsequently, Shinde formed a government with support of BJP. In July 2023, NCP leer Ajit Pawar and eight or party MLAs joined government led by Shinde.

Chief Minister stated, “ 'Mahayuti' coalition members will now focus on ensuring election of 45 Members of Parliament from state.”