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As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, political maneuvering and jostling for key constituencies have intensified within the ruling Mahayuti and the opposing Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. Amidst the deadlock over seat-sharing formulas, the Congress party has taken a resolute stance, asserting its claim on crucial seats in Sangli, Bhiwandi, and south-central Mumbai.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction recently unveiled its list of 17 candidates, signaling a divergence from the prospect of consensus-building within the alliance. With negotiations faltering, the Congress has decided to assert its electoral ambitions by contesting the three seats it deems strategically significant. However, the lack of consensus may pave the way for ‘friendly fights,’ potentially exacerbating fault lines within the MVA coalition.
In a pivotal meeting chaired by veteran leader Sharad Pawar, alliance partners were urged to present a united front and prioritize electoral cohesion over internal discord. Despite efforts at mediation and consensus-building, the issue of seat allocation remains a contentious sticking point, straining intra-alliance relations.
The declaration of candidates by the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction for Sangli and south-central Mumbai, contested by the Congress, has further compounded the impasse. Similarly, the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) has set its sights on the Bhiwandi constituency, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing standoff.
Efforts to broker a resolution have thus far proved futile, with successive meetings failing to yield a breakthrough. The prospect of ‘friendly fights’ looms large as a tentative solution, with hopes pinned on upcoming discussions to chart a path forward.
In response to the Shiv Sena’s (UBT) unilateral candidate announcements, Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan expressed discontent, emphasizing the need for communication with the central leadership to address grievances and strategize effectively. The proposition of ‘friendly fights’ has emerged as a pragmatic approach to navigate the current impasse.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut cautioned against such internal discord, citing its potential to bolster the BJP’s electoral prospects. In a veiled jab at its MVA ally, Raut underscored the importance of unity within the coalition while dismissing further negotiations over seat allocations.
