Intense discussions are underway within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as the alliance seeks to finalize seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Leaders from the MVA coalition—comprising the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Shiv Sena (UBT)—are optimistic that the seat allocation process will be completed by the start of Navratri, with an official announcement expected by Dussehra.
Following a key meeting on Tuesday, NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad dispelled rumors of a deadlock, stating, “There is no deadlock. Agreement has been reached on two-thirds of the seats. Discussions are ongoing regarding the remaining two to four seats in each region.”
When asked about the MVA’s chief ministerial candidate, Awhad reassured the public, saying, “Why are people worrying? We will declare it soon.”
Media reports suggest that the MVA has reached a consensus on over 200 seats, though a few seats remain in contention. Tuesday’s discussions focused primarily on the Vidarbha region, particularly constituencies in the Nagpur, Wardha, and Buldhana districts. Of the 12 seats initially in dispute in Vidarbha, six have reportedly been resolved, with negotiations ongoing over the remaining six. Additional discussions are required to settle seat-sharing arrangements in Mumbai and Marathwada, which remain contentious areas.
According to MVA insiders, the Congress is eyeing 110-115 seats across the state, while Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to contest 90-95 seats. The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) could receive between 80-85 seats. However, Congress sources have emphasized that the party’s high command will not settle for fewer than 100 seats, indicating that negotiations may continue in the coming days.
With crucial decisions still pending, the MVA aims to finalize its seat-sharing strategy soon to maintain unity and momentum ahead of the upcoming elections.
