BJP in catch-22 situation over 50-50 seat-sharing pact with ally Shiv Sena

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While political parties are gearing up for the Maharashtra state assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has found itself in a tough spot or what can be called as a catch-22 situation.

According to Indian Express, BJP’s top leadership is under pressure to adhere to the 50-50 seat-sharing pact with ally Shiv Sena, but the party’s cadre seems upset as it will amount to shelving its own ambitious plan — ‘shat-pratishat Bhajapa’ (cent-per cent BJP). A top source in the BJP told the leading daily that, “Since the commitment to the 50-50 seat-sharing formula for the Assembly polls was made by the top leadership, it is unlikely that they will go back on their word now.”

The Maharashtra Assembly has a total of 288 seats. To stake claim for formation of government will require a party to secure at least 145 seats. In the 2014 Assembly polls, which the Sena and the BJP had contested separately, the BJP had won 122 seats and the Sena 63 seats, while Congress bagged 42 seats and the NCP got 41. Another senior BJP party functionary told Indian Express, “The BJP already has 122 sitting MLAs. Yet, if we have to contest on 135 seats, it means we can get only 13 seats more. Whereas, in the case of Sena, which has 63 MLAs, contesting on 135 seats, it would amount to a potential jump of 72 seats. Overall, the Sena could gain 114 per cent when it comes to expanding its electoral base, as compared to the BJP’s 10 per cent.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray late Friday night to discuss the proposed cabinet expansion in the state. In the last few days, both Fadnavis and finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar have said the ministry will be expanded. In a tweet, Fadnavis said, “I met Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray at his residence Matoshri and discussed in detail cabinet expansion.” Earlier in the day, when asked about a cabinet expansion, Thackeray had said, “I don’t know when the cabinet expansion is happening. I don’t have a ‘panchang’ (almanac).” There is speculation in political circles that the expansion could take place on Sunday, a day before the three-week monsoon session of the state legislature begins.

What is catch-22 situation?

A catch-22 is a paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules or limitations.