Overview
- After a meeting at the chief minister’s residence, Athawale said BJP leaders Amit Satam and Pravin Darekar were told to free up six to seven seats, with a similar number to come from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, totaling at least 12 wards for RPI(A).
- RPI(A) candidates in those wards would run as official Mahayuti nominees, while remaining party candidates keep their own symbol, and the party will campaign for alliance contenders across Mumbai.
- Before the talks, RPI(A) had declared a solo contest, released a list of 39 candidates, and accused the alliance of betrayal as BMC nominations closed on December 30.
- An RPI(A) delegation submitted 17 priority wards and sought one Legislative Council seat along with chairperson and member posts in state corporations and other bodies.
- Strains in the coalition continue with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP contesting separately, as Mumbai’s 227-seat civic poll is set for January 15 with counting the next day.