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The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the opposition alliance in Maharashtra, has reportedly finalized negotiations regarding the distribution of Lok Sabha seats in the state. According sources, the Shiv Sena (UBT), under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray, will contest 20 seats, while the Congress will compete for 18 seats. The remaining 10 seats will be contested by the NCP, led by Sharad Pawar.
Accommodation for Smaller Parties
Reports states that, MVA indicate that smaller parties like the Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan, led by Raju Shetti, are set to receive seats from their respective alliance partners. Moreover, if the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, headed by Prakash Ambedkar, agrees, it could be allocated at least three seats from the quotas of the Shiv Sena and Congress.
Maharashtra’s Electoral Landscape
With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra ranks as the state with the second-largest number of seats after Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats. Notable leaders from various parties participated in the negotiation process, including Congress leaders Patole, Prithviraj Chavan, Varsha Gaikwad, NCP leaders Jayant Patil, Jitendra Awhad, Anil Deshmukh, and representatives from Shiv Sena such as Sanjay Raut and Vinayak Raut.
Finalizing the Agreement
Key figures within the MVA, including State Congress chief Nana Patole, senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat, and former CM Prithviraj Chavan, engaged in discussions with Sharad Pawar at his Silver Oak residence on Thursday to solidify the agreement. NCP leader Jitendra Awhad confirmed that discussions regarding the Lok Sabha elections have concluded, with no further meetings anticipated.
Previous Election Results
In the 2019 general elections, the BJP emerged victorious in 23 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, while its erstwhile ally Shiv Sena secured 18 seats. The undivided NCP won four seats, with both Congress and AIMIM clinching one seat each. Additionally, an independent candidate emerged victorious in one constituency.
