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The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), convened a significant gathering at the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli on Wednesday to deliberate on seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The meeting also saw the inclusion of the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) for discussions.
Over the past few days, the MVA constituents have engaged in negotiations to establish a consensus on the allocation of seats. Ahead of the pivotal meeting, senior Congress leader and former minister Balasaheb Thorat held discussions with Ambedkar separately. Notably, Ambedkar has already unveiled candidates for Sangli and Wardha constituencies, traditionally contested by the Congress.
While the VBA did not secure any Lok Sabha or assembly seats in the 2019 elections, its impact on vote splitting highlighted its potential influence, leading the MVA allies to extend an invitation for negotiations, according to political analysts.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has hinted at the party’s openness to seat exchanges. However, the Shiv Sena is expected to maintain its stance on the number of constituencies it aims to contest. Raut, alongside NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader and MLA Jitendra Awhad, has urged Ambedkar to refrain from actions favoring the BJP.
Analysts speculate that the MVA allies are keen to secure Ambedkar’s support to prevent any division of votes.
Following the meeting, Raut expressed positivity, stating, “The discussions among the four party leaders were constructive. We deliberated on all 48 Lok Sabha seats, and there was unanimous agreement among the Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP on seat sharing.” He added that Ambedkar had presented a proposal from his party, emphasizing the collective desire for the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi to join the alliance for the elections.
Commenting on the meeting’s outcome, Ambedkar noted, “Further details will be provided later. Another meeting is scheduled.” Sources suggest that the Shiv Sena (UBT) is seeking 23 seats, with the Congress and NCP aiming for 15 and 10 seats, respectively. Notably, Ambedkar had previously highlighted discrepancies over 15 seats among the three parties.
