Mumbai, Dec 18 (NationPress) The ruling Mahayuti has successfully reached an agreement on seat-sharing for over 150 of the 227 wards within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Discussions regarding the remaining 77 seats are anticipated to conclude in the next two to three days, according to Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam on Thursday.

He clarified that there will be no collaboration with the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which has designated former minister Nawab Malik as coordinator for the BMC elections.

Malik is currently out on bail due to a money laundering case.

"We have reached a consensus on over 150 seats. Negotiations concerning the remaining 77 seats are ongoing and should be finalized shortly. The ultimate decision on these seats will be made with the agreement of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," Satam stated during a joint press briefing with Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant.

Satam emphasized that the goal of the seat-sharing arrangement is to ensure a corruption-free civic administration in Mumbai. "The number of seats contested is not the priority. The Mahayuti will contest all 227 wards, aiming to secure over 150 seats, thus ensuring the election of a Mahayuti mayor," he asserted, highlighting the commitment of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Republican Party of India (RPI) to meet the aspirations of Mumbaikars.

Criticizing the opposition, Satam accused those who governed the BMC for 25 years of participating in corruption and compromising Mumbai's integrity. He declared that any efforts to alter the city's character for electoral benefits will be thwarted. He also ruled out any ties with the NCP led by Nawab Malik, citing serious allegations against him.

Minister Samant echoed similar sentiments, confirming that a consensus has been achieved on 150 seats, with discussions continuing on the remaining 77. "More crucial than the number of seats is the unity of the Mahayuti. Should there be any differences regarding the remaining seats, decisions will be made by Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde," he stated.

Samant reiterated that the alliance would remain intact despite any issues related to seat-sharing, reaffirming the Mahayuti's confidence in winning over 150 seats in the BMC elections to fulfill what he termed the "dream of Mumbaikars."

The announcement from Satam and Samant about the seat-sharing arrangement is crucial, as the BJP and its partners have initiated "Mission BMC" to raise the saffron flag over the civic body and end the 25-year reign of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.