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The upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra are witnessing a growing tension within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, composed of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP. The alliance's efforts to finalise seat sharing arrangements have hit a major snag, particularly in the Vidarbha region, where both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are locked in a tussle over key constituencies.
The recent nine-hour marathon meeting at Trident Hotel in South Mumbai failed to produce a consensus on the contentious seats. As a result, both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have turned to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, seeking his mediation in resolving the differences that threaten to fracture the alliance. Senior leaders from both parties have been actively engaging with Pawar, hoping his influence can bridge the gap.
The bone of contention lies in the allocation of 12 seats in the Vidarbha region. Shiv Sena (UBT) has laid claim to these seats, arguing that there are no existing MLAs from MVA on these constituencies. However, the Congress has been pushing for Nashik West, a seat that the Shiv Sena (UBT) has virtually sealed for Sudhakar Badgujar. Congress leader Nana Patole's insistence on Nashik West led to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut walking out of the crucial meeting, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.
The disputed seats are: Armory, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Bhandara, Chimur, Ballarpur, Chandrapur, Ramtek, Kamthi, South Nagpur, Aheri, and Bhadravati Varora. These seats are currently held by a mix of BJP MLAs, Independent MLAs, and MLAs from the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar. The Congress's claim to Nashik West further complicates the matter, adding another layer of tension to the already strained relationship within the MVA.
The failure to reach an agreement on seat sharing could have serious implications for the MVA's chances in the Assembly polls. The alliance's unity and ability to present a strong united front are crucial for their success. Sharad Pawar's role as a mediator becomes even more significant in light of the escalating tensions. His ability to bridge the divide between the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) will be a crucial factor in determining the fate of the MVA alliance in the upcoming elections.
Source: Uddhav Sena, Congress turn to Sharad Pawar to resolve seat-sharing woes: Sources