Competitive Seats, Alliances & Welfare Schemes: What Sena, NCP Leaders Discussed in Midnight Meeting

Maharashtra’s political heavyweights, including chief minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Dada Bhuse, and Uday Samant, gathered at Varsha for a high-stakes meeting on Wednesday to fine-tune the strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

According to insiders, the closed-door meeting, which continued till midnight, saw leaders of the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) discuss the constituencies where the parties are set to face each other in the polls.

Maharashtra, a state known for its complex political equations, could witness direct confrontations between the two powerful regional parties in several key districts. The leaders reportedly analysed the voter demographics and existing support bases in these regions, looking at how they can maximise their outreach. With both Shiv Sena and NCP holding strong influence in various parts of the state, the meeting aimed to identify competitive seats where a focused approach could tip the scales in favour of either party.

Additionally, the electoral alliances being formed in the state were another crucial point of discussion. The possibility of realigning political ties in response to shifting voter sentiments and recent developments could significantly impact the election outcomes. Sources suggest the leaders examined potential strategies for not only combating each other but also countering the growing presence of other national parties in Maharashtra.

An equally important issue in the meeting was the review of the ‘Mazi Ladki Bahin’ scheme. The social-welfare initiative, which aims to uplift women and girls across the state, has been a cornerstone of the Shinde government’s developmental programmes.

During the meeting, a detailed report on the scheme’s current outreach and publicity was presented. The leaders discussed ways to further promote the initiative and ensure its message resonates with voters, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where women’s empowerment remains a critical issue.

With the state’s political climate intensifying, the meeting highlights the importance of both electoral strategy and social welfare programmes. The Shiv Sena and NCP are clearly gearing up for a heated battle, with each party looking to not only secure votes but also gain public trust through key initiatives like ‘Mazi Ladki Bahin’.