Resort politics likely amid intensified power struggle

HORSE TRADING ON? Efforts are underway to secure support from smaller parties and independents to ensure a majority to form the government

- Prajakta Pol

Both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have intensified their preparations as the state awaits the assembly election results. Efforts are underway to secure support from smaller parties and independents to ensure a majority.

If the Mahayuti falls short of a majority, it has devised a strategy to form alliances with smaller parties. Efforts are reportedly being made to reach out to parties not currently part of the Mahayuti. While Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Thursday that they were not in contact with independent candidates, reports suggest that independents and rebels have started approaching the Mahayuti camp. Alliance leaders are actively negotiating with smaller factions, and with the BJP in power at the Center, the party is said to be offering a share in the state government to bring smaller parties closer.