Sun Oct 20 15:12:36 UTC 2024: **Summary of the News Article:**
1. **Meeting Postponed**: The Maharashtra Congress has postponed its Central Election Committee meeting, originally scheduled for October 20, which was meant to finalize the candidate list for the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting will now take place on October 21 at 5 PM.
2. **Mahavikas Aghadi Consensus**: NCP leader Sharad Pawar announced that an understanding has been reached on candidate distribution for about 200 of the 288 assembly seats. While he acknowledged the consensus, he stated he is not directly involved in the seat-sharing talks.
3. **Elections Dates**: The Election Commission announced that voting for the Maharashtra assembly elections will occur on November 20, with results declared on November 23.
4. **Samajwadi Party’s Demand**: The Samajwadi Party has asked for 12 seats from the Mahavikas Aghadi. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced candidates from specific constituencies to demonstrate their strength in the coalition.
5. **BJP’s Candidate List**: The BJP has released its first list of 99 candidates for the assembly elections, including seats reserved for SC/ST and women. Key candidates include Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
6. **Seat-Sharing Agreement**: Following a meeting led by Amit Shah, it has been agreed that the BJP will contest 155 seats, Shiv Sena 78, and NCP 55, with accommodations for smaller parties.
7. **Priyanka Gandhi’s Nomination**: Priyanka Gandhi will file her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat on October 23, with Rahul Gandhi present. This marks her debut election campaign after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
8. **BJP Elections in Other States**: Additionally, the BJP has announced candidates for 25 seats across eight states, including a notable matchup in Wayanad against Priyanka Gandhi.
This article highlights the ongoing preparations and negotiations among political parties in Maharashtra as they gear up for the upcoming assembly elections.