Maharashtra election seat-sharing dispute: Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Maharashtras opposition alliance, faces an internal conflict that could undermine its chances in the upcoming state assembly elections. The ongoing dispute over seat allocation, particularly in the key regions of eastern Vidarbha and Mumbai, threatens the unity of the coalition, which comprises the Congress, Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).Vidarbha and Mumbai at the center of the conflictThe core issue revolves around the allocation of seats in the electorally crucial regions of eastern Vidarbha and Mumbai. The Congress is unwilling to cede any seats in Vidarbha, citing the diminished influence of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the region following its internal split. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) is eyeing constituencies in both Vidarbha and Mumbai where Congress has historically struggled to win. This tug-of-war over strategic seats has escalated tensions within the alliance, with two major seats in Mumbai becoming particular points of contention.Sanjay Raut slams Congress over delaysShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has publicly expressed frustration over the slow pace of seat-sharing negotiations, accusing Congress of delaying decisions by constantly referring proposals to the partys central leadership in Delhi. “We dont have much time left. Congress leaders here seem incapable of making quick decisions. Sending everything to Delhi for approval is not helping,” Raut stated, directly targeting Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole.Raut further emphasized the urgency of presenting a united front to challenge the ruling BJP, which he claims is using agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to target opposition leaders.Dispute over 28 remaining seatsReports indicate that the MVA has successfully agreed on seat-sharing for 260 of Maharashtras 288 assembly constituencies. However, the deadlock over the remaining 28 seats has become a significant issue. On Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) hinted at boycotting future talks if Patole continues to attend the meetings. In an attempt to resolve the conflict, Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala is set to arrive in Mumbai on Saturday.Congress denies riftDespite the ongoing disagreements, Congress state president Nana Patole has downplayed the situation, insisting that the final decision on seat-sharing will be made by the partys top leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. “Sanjay Rauts leader is Uddhav Thackeray, and our leader is Rahul Gandhi. Seat-sharing decisions are communicated to our leadership, and I wont comment further on Rauts statements,” Patole remarked.As the state prepares for its 288-seat assembly election, the unresolved seat-sharing dispute raises questions about the MVAs ability to maintain a united front against the BJP.
