Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections: Sangli Seat Row Threatens to Derail MVA’s Chances, Leaders Scramble for Solution

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The ongoing tussle between the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) over the Sangli Lok Sabha seat is threatening to derail the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) prospects in the constituency. With party workers from both sides staying away from campaigning due to the confusion, leaders are scrambling to find an early solution to the impasse.

Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam, who is at the forefront of his party’s demand to contest the seat, has called for an urgent resolution to the row. “The MVA has a good opportunity this time to win the seat. However, the confusion about who will contest has affected the morale of the party workers of both Congress and Shiv Sena. Even NCP workers are confused. If the row is not resolved early, it will affect the chances of the MVA candidate,” Kadam told reporters on Friday.

In an attempt to break the deadlock, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has rushed party MP Sanjay Raut to Sangli to hold talks with Congress and NCP leaders. Raut is set to hold a meeting with the workers and leaders of both parties, in a bid to bring them together for campaigning.

However, Kadam expressed skepticism about the meeting, stating that he has not received any invitation or intimation. “I am not bothered about the meeting. I am concerned about ending the prevailing confusion among party workers and leaders in Sangli. Time is fast running out, we need to get our acts together. We have to take a decision in this regard. Whoever is finally decided, we will work for him,” he said.

Kadam lamented that the Shiv Sena (UBT) never raised the issue of contesting the Sangli seat during MVA meetings, despite discussions on other seats like Kolhapur. “Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati wanted to contest on our ticket from Kolhapur. This was primarily discussed at MVA meeting. But the Sena did not raise the issue that if Kolhapur goes to Congress, they would like to contest Sangli seat. Sangli has been our traditional bastion. We might have lost it in Modi wave but we have covered much ground. Now we are in a better position and if all things fall in place, we will win Sangli hands down. My only plea to both Congress and Sena leadership is to resolve the issue as early as possible,” he added.

The BJP has fielded sitting MP Sanjaykaka Patil, while the Sena has announced the name of Chandrahar Patil, a popular wrestler. The Congress has also announced the name of Vishal Patil, grandson of former chief minister Vasantdada Patil. Both parties have refused to withdraw their candidates, and the Congress’s suggestion of a “friendly fight” has been rejected by the Sena, which believes it will only benefit the BJP.

As the deadline for campaigning approaches, the pressure is mounting on the MVA leadership to find a compromise solution that can unite their workers and present a united front against the BJP in Sangli.