Maharashtra Assembly Polls: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, a coalition led by Maharashtra leaders Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, is on shaky ground. Deep internal rifts among the alliances three parties—Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress—are threatening its unity just as the Maharashtra assembly elections approach. Each party is now fielding its own candidates in multiple constituencies, raising questions about the coalitions stability and capacity to govern Maharashtra effectively.Seat-sharing discussions within the MVA remain deadlocked as candidate nomination deadlines loom. Tensions between Congress and Uddhav Thackerays faction are particularly high, with heated exchanges between party leaders. Congress is reportedly considering a Sangli pattern for selecting candidates in key areas. Although NCP chief Sharad Pawar has distanced himself from the squabbles, his candidates have faced sidelining in some constituencies, intensifying the strain.Parties run opposing candidatesIn a surprising turn, MVA partners are competing against each other in pivotal constituencies like Paranda, South Solapur, Deegars, and Miraj. For instance, Congress leader Manikrao Thackeray faces a challenge from Uddhav Thackerays ally, Pawan Jaiswal, in Deegars, while Congresss Mohan Wankhede is up against Thackerays Tanaji Satpute in Miraj. In South Solapur, Congresss Dilip Mane confronts Uddhav Thackerays Amar Patil. Similar rivalries are playing out in Bhaykhala, where Congress candidate Madhu Anna Chavan opposes Uddhavs Manoj Jamsutkar. Internal allegations that Sanjay Raut has “sold” seats to Pawars faction have only added to the coalitions growing tensions.Protests and frustration within CongressLocal Congress leaders are reportedly dissatisfied with candidate selections, leading to protests, stone-pelting incidents, and demands for last-minute changes. Uddhav Thackerays faction has also grappled with errors in candidate lists, sparking discontent within both Congress and Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) ranks.Longtime MVA allies, including the Peasants and Workers Party and the Samajwadi Party, have voiced dissatisfaction over their limited seat allocations. In protest, the Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, has announced candidates in key constituencies like Malegaon Central and Dhule City, where they wield considerable influence. Ironically, while MVA leaders criticise BJP for overlooking allies, the coalition is now facing similar accusations from its smaller partners.Leadership conflicts and power strugglesIntense debates over leadership have also affected unity within the coalition. Congress President Nana Patole reportedly had a heated confrontation with Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Sanjay Raut over suggestions to announce Thackeray as the chief ministerial candidate. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan warned that such lobbying threatens MVAs fragile unity, emphasising that early candidate announcements go against tradition.Following a disappointing performance in the recent Haryana elections, Congresss momentum has waned. Thackeray and Pawar supporters are now capitalising on this by positioning their own candidates in key regions. Independent candidates, many with ties to MVA members, are also running, potentially diluting the coalitions voter base.MVAs uncertain futureDespite success in past Lok Sabha elections, the MVA faces an uncertain future in the upcoming assembly race. With rising demands among coalition members, regional parties like AIMIM and Samajwadi Party are poised to enter the race, while the Aam Aadmi Party may also compete in select constituencies. As independent candidates and local leadership ambitions grow, MVAs stability remains precarious, leaving the coalition on the brink.
