While Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has claimed that seat-sharing talks within the Mahayuti (BJP, Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar NCP) alliance are progressing smoothly and that only three seats remain to be finalised, the ground reality appears far more competitive. The ruling Mahayuti alliance is witnessing intense internal bargaining over seat sharing for the 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections from local self-government constituencies. 

The BJP is keen on contesting 12 seats on its own, while the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde is demanding a bigger share in the polls. Polling for all 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) seats will be held on June 18, while counting of votes is scheduled for June 22.