Mumbai: In a significant development, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Opposition alliance in Maharashtra, has sealed a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is set to contest 21 seats, while the Congress and the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) may vie for 15 and nine seats respectively.
The decision was reached after a crucial meeting held at Sharad Pawar's residence, attended by prominent leaders from each party including Congress leaders Nana Patole and Prithviraj Chavan, NCP leaders Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad, and representatives from the Shiv Sena and other allied parties.
The Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA), led by Prakash Ambedkar, which recently joined the MVA, is expected to contest two seats, while Raju Shetti's Swabhimani Paksha may secure one seat, as per sources.
An official announcement regarding the final seat-sharing formula is anticipated to be made soon by senior leaders of the alliance. Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, holds significant electoral weight, being the second-largest state in terms of parliamentary representation after Uttar Pradesh.
Sanjay Raut, a key leader from the Shiv Sena, emphasized the importance of unity within the alliance, stating that discussions were comprehensive, focusing on each of the 48 Lok Sabha seats. He reiterated that the primary goal is victory, emphasizing the collective commitment to upholding democracy and constitutional values.
It's worth noting that each party will be allotted a seat with a sitting parliamentarian, ensuring continuity even if candidates switch affiliations. Meanwhile, Congress leaders are scheduled to convene in Delhi on March 4 to finalize candidatures.
With the Election Commission yet to announce the polling dates, anticipation is high for the upcoming elections, expected to take place in April-May. The 2019 general elections saw a diverse outcome in Maharashtra, with the BJP emerging victorious in 23 seats, the then-undivided Shiv Sena securing 18 seats, and other parties making notable gains.
The evolving political landscape in Maharashtra hints at a fiercely contested electoral battle, with the Opposition alliance seeking to make a significant impact in the state.