MORE people from the Opposition camp would join the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the elections in 2024, State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule claimed on Sunday. Speaking to reporters in Shirdi in Ahmednagar district, the BJP leader also said he cannot guess any names from the Opposition bloc who might switch their loyalties.

The elections to Lok Sabha as well as the Maharashtra Assembly are due next year.

“More people from the other side (Opposition) will join BJP ahead of elections in 2024. I cannot tell now who will jump, but the time will decide,” he said. “When State Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the State Budget recently under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the facial expressions of Opposition leaders were self-explanatory. You will see when Fadnavis will present the next Budget (2024-25), many will change their political affiliations to join BJP,” Bawankule claimed. Queried on the likely seat-sharing formula between the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Bawankule said top leaders will take a call.

“I cannot comment on any formula about the proportion of seats to be contested by the BJP and the Shiv Sena. It will be decided by top leaders. Today, there is a strong and able Chief Minister in the state,” he said.