Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: CEC To Approve BJP’s Key Candidates—Who’s In, Who’s Out?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to release its first list of candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly elections within the next two days, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. The list, which is expected to include over 60 names, will be approved by the party's central election committee (CEC). The Maharashtra unit of the BJP has already finalised about 100 candidates, including sitting MLAs, for the CEC to review and select from.

On Monday, BJP national president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a lengthy meeting in New Delhi with key leaders from the Maharashtra BJP and the state's election in-charges, Bhupender Yadav and Ashwini Vaishnaw. During the meeting, the Maharashtra unit presented a list of candidates for approximately 160 seats the party plans to contest. This includes more than 75 of the BJP's 103 sitting MLAs, although some of these may not be included in the final selection. For the remaining seats, the state unit has suggested new candidates.

The first list of candidates is likely to be released after the CEC meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in Delhi. "Around 30 per cent of the 103 sitting MLAs might not be included due to concerns over their chances of winning," said a party leader from Maharashtra. "The initial list will feature candidates from constituencies where no internal rebellion is expected. Many senior leaders and ministers are expected to be part of this list, which will be announced from Delhi."

However, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed claims that a large number of sitting MLAs would be dropped. He clarified, "The final decision will be made by the CEC. We, along with our smaller allies, will discuss our candidates separately, but we have decided to fight the elections together to secure Mahayuti's victory."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, will hold a joint press conference on Tuesday. They are expected to address the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's "Gaddarancha Panchnama" (charge sheet of traitors), which was released on Sunday. The MVA has accused the ruling alliance of involvement in various scams, including a rupee one lakh crore redevelopment project in Dharavi, and alleged attempts to buy MLAs and corporators.

Despite rumours, leaders from the ruling alliance stated that the ministers are not expected to reveal the seat-sharing arrangement during the press conference.