The political landscape in Maharashtra is seeing a crucial formation as the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi comes to a consensus on seat distributions for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Within the alliance, a keenness to resolve seat-sharing complexities is evident as party seniors finalize agreements, with the official announcement expected to be made shortly. This strategic decision aims to secure a consolidated stand against BJP, addressing public dissatisfaction over various issues like agriculture prices and inflation.
As per the tentative agreement, the Shiv Sena faction led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray plans to contest 20 of the total 48 seats in the state, with the Congress taking 18 and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party vying for 10. In a tactical move, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, demanding a sizable share initially, is expected to participate in two seats offered from the Sena’s allotment, reflecting the delicate balance required to maintain the alliance. Independent Raju Shetty is also set to receive support from the NCP camp.
The seat arrangement, particularly in Mumbai, is a delicate segment of the deal, with certain constituencies such as South Central and North West Mumbai being highly sought after by both Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). The resolution of this impasse will significantly shape the electoral battlefield. In the previous 2019 elections, the scenario differed dramatically, with the then-united Sena (aligned with BJP) and the NCP fetching 18 and 4 seats respectively, with the Congress securing a single seat. This time, leaders are placing their bets on a public sentiment that appears to be swaying away from the current ruling party, propelled by Rahul Gandhi’s outreach to regional heads like Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, thereby cementing a stronger opposition front.
Amidst a political landscape marked by shifts and strategic alliances, the opposition’s endeavour to finalize seat-sharing accelerates as election dates approach. Notably, this development follows an electoral boost received by the Congress-AAP alliance after their victory in the Chandigarh mayoral poll. The opposition hopes that this combined effort and solidarity will pose a substantial challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming polls.