Amid the controversy sparked by Sanjay Raut's statements regarding Shiv Sena's intended contest of 23 out of Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming elections, the party's leader Uddhav Thackeray clarified his stance on Saturday. Thackeray emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the MVA alliance and assured that he wouldn't undertake any action detrimental to it. His remarks are interpreted as a rebuttal to Raut's assertion of Shiv Sena's claim to 23 seats, which caused unease within the Congress, a crucial ally within the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Thackeray reassured that the allocation of tickets would proceed smoothly. He disclosed having discussions with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi. Just a day earlier, Raut's statement hinting at Shiv Sena's intent to contest 23 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra had created a stir.
Raut had also suggested that seat-sharing discussions with Congress ought to commence anew, citing the previous elections where he claimed Congress had not secured any seats. This statement drew sharp reactions from leaders within the state's Congress party.
Thackeray, emphasizing his commitment to the MVA alliance, stated, "I will not engage with those making statements until the Congress president addresses the seat-sharing matter." He also affirmed that the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) discussions have been proceeding smoothly.
He further mentioned ongoing efforts to arrange a joint meeting among MVA constituents – Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. While an alliance has been established between Shiv Sena (UBT) and VBA, a decision is pending regarding the inclusion of the Ambedkar-led group within the MVA alliance or any potential electoral collaboration.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena (Undivided) secured victory in 18 out of the 23 contested seats in Maharashtra, while its ally BJP claimed 23 out of 25 constituencies. The NCP (undivided) emerged victorious in 4 seats, whereas the Congress managed to secure only one seat.
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