In a significant announcement, the Maha Vikas Aghadi unveiled its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) securing the lion’s share of 21 seats. The Congress will contest 17 seats, while the NCP (SP) will field candidates in 10 constituencies.
Notably, the Congress graciously relinquished its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively.
Sharad Pawar, the chief of NCP (SP), emphasized the unanimity among the allies regarding the distribution of the 48 parliamentary seats in the state. He stressed that there were no differences among the partners over any seat allocation.
Uddhav Thackeray, the head of Shiv Sena (UBT), underscored the overarching objective of the alliance, which is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He stated that achieving victory over the BJP takes precedence over individual differences, highlighting the alliance’s collective resolve.
Thackeray also addressed recent remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dismissing them as unbecoming of a leader. He criticized the BJP as a “party of extortionists” in light of recent controversies surrounding electoral bonds.
Nana Patole, the president of Maharashtra Congress, echoed the sentiment of unity within the alliance and reiterated the party’s commitment to defeating PM Modi and the BJP. He emphasized that Congress workers would wholeheartedly support MVA candidates in Sangli and Bhiwandi.
Further, Thackeray lauded the Congress’ manifesto and pledged to implement its promises once the INDIA alliance assumes power at the Centre.
As per the agreement, the Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest key constituencies including Jalgaon, Nashik, Thane, Mumbai South, and others. The Congress will field candidates in Nandurbar, Nagpur, Pune, and Solapur, among others, while the NCP (SP) will focus on seats like Satara, Baramati, Madha, and more.
The Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held in five phases from April 19 to May 20.
