NCP & Sena likely to join forced to keep BJP out in Satara & Sangli ZPs

Kolhapur: BJP is facing a tough challenge in securing power in the Sangli and Satara zilla parishads, where its Mahayuti partners appear inclined to keep the party out. Unlike Pune, where NCP has a clear majority, and Solapur — where BJP holds a decisive edge — no party has secured an outright mandate in Satara or Sangli.In Kolhapur, Mahayuti constituents contested jointly and have already agreed to share key posts. Elections for the president and vice-president posts will be held in Kolhapur on Tuesday, while polls are scheduled for March 18 in Sangli, Solapur and Pune, and on March 20 in Satara.In Satara ZP, BJP emerged as the single largest party for the first time, winning 28 seats and needing just five more. But despite the seemingly small gap, managing the numbers has turned into an uphill task. NCP and Shiv Sena — Mahayuti allies in the state but opponents locally — have shifted their elected members to an undisclosed location fearing alleged poaching attempts by BJP. With 35 members, NCP-Shiv Sena bloc already enjoys a clear majority and is also seeking support from one Congress member and one from Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana.Sources said minister Jaykumar Gore has raised the issue of NCP and Shiv Sena sidelining BJP with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Gore had earlier said the chief minister would intervene to resolve the matter. After a fierce campaign between BJP and NCP-Sena combine, Gore has urged Mahayuti allies to set aside differences and work together for Satara's development. BJP is also said to be willing to accept a smaller share of power.In Sangli ZP, Congress-NCP (SP) alliance is just one short of the majority mark of 31. Two Shiv Sena members are reportedly in touch with the alliance's leaders. BJP, meanwhile, is struggling to bring NCP and Sena on board, despite the numbers adding up on paper. Local-level hostility between the leaders of these parties is hindering negotiations.In Kolhapur ZP, Mahayuti partners have mutually agreed to share the president and vice-president posts. NCP is expected to hold the president's position for the first 15 months, while BJP will likely take the vice-president's post. The final arrangement, however, will be confirmed shortly before voting on Tuesday.