MUMBAI: With the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections set to be enforced in Maharashtra within days, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is gearing up its efforts for the electoral battle ahead. The top leaders of the alliance, popularly known as the Maha Vikas Aghadi, met at the Silver Oak residence of NCP leader Sharad Pawar.
Key figures from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena faction, the NCP under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, and prominent Congress leaders attended the meeting. The meeting saw extensive discussions on various pertinent issues, with particular focus on the allocation of electoral seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders reportedly reached a consensus on its seat-sharing formula, marking a significant milestone in its preparations for the upcoming elections.
Scheduled to visit Maharashtra on the 10th, Rahul Gandhi’s impending rally was also deliberated upon during the meeting. Discussions regarding the state’s electoral strategy will further be held with Rahul Gandhi, alongside ongoing talks with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi.
Providing insight into these developments, Balasaheb Thorat conveyed that the finalized formula will soon be formally announced by the MVA’s top leadership through a press conference.
The purported formula for seat allocation within the MVA is as follows:
Shiv Sena (UBT): 21 seats
Congress: 15 seats
NCP: 09 seats
Ally: 03 seats
Speaking on behalf of the alliance, Sanjay Raut, a leader from Shiv Sena (UBT), confirmed the agreement on the seat-sharing arrangement. He addressed reporters after a comprehensive meeting involving representatives from Congress, NCP (under Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Congress leaders Nana Patole and Prithviraj Chavan, Varsha Gaikwad, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leaders Jayant Patil, Jitendra Awhad and Anil Deshmukh, and Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut and Vinayak Raut participated in the meeting. Additionally, a representative from the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) was present.
Raut clarified that there will be no further deliberations on seat-sharing, highlighting that the final approval of the agreement will be conferred by Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Nana Patole, and Prakash Ambedkar, followed by a formal announcement through a press conference.
Responding to speculations, Raut dismissed reports suggesting VBA’s demand for 27 seats, indicating instead that discussions will be held regarding the seats where VBA has a longstanding presence.
With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra holds substantial electoral significance, being the second-highest after Uttar Pradesh (80). In the 2019 general elections, the BJP secured 23 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while its erstwhile ally Shiv Sena clinched 18 seats. Additionally, the undivided NCP secured four seats, with Congress and AIMIM each winning a seat, alongside one independent candidate emerging victorious.