The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra is witnessing internal strife less than a month before the Lok Sabha elections, with the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s unilateral declaration of candidates becoming a major point of contention. The Congress has raised objections to the Sena's (UBT) claims on key seats like Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai North-West, and Sangli, which were still under discussion.
Sanjay Nirupam, a Congress leader eyeing the Mumbai North-West seat, criticized the Sena (UBT) for disregarding "alliance dharma" and fielding candidates without consulting its allies. His disapproval intensified when the Sena (UBT) nominated Amol Kirtikar for the Mumbai North-West constituency, referring to him derisively as a "khichdi chor" after he was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged irregularities.
The Congress expressed dismay over the premature announcement of candidates, especially considering ongoing seat-sharing negotiations. Four seats, including Sangli, Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai North-West, and Bhiwandi, remain contentious points between the alliance partners.
While the Congress has insisted on retaining Sangli and Mumbai South-Central, it showed flexibility in Mumbai North-West. However, the Sena (UBT) proceeded with its candidate selection without adhering to the Congress's requests, prompting Sanjay Nirupam to issue a statement signalling openness to exploring other options.
The rift deepened when the Congress announced Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati as its candidate for the Kolhapur seat, conflicting with the Sena's (UBT) preference for him to contest under its symbol. This move sparked allegations of backdoor dealings from the Sena's camp, intensifying the discord within the alliance.
Additionally, disagreements persist over the Bhiwandi seat, with the NCP advocating for its claim despite the Congress's historical performance there.
The internal discord within the MVA alliance could significantly impact the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. While the Sena (UBT) relies on Congress support to secure seats in Mumbai, the Congress depends on the Sena (UBT) to strengthen its position in regions like Marathwada and Ramtek.
Furthermore, Sharad Pawar's NCP has expressed displeasure over the Sena (UBT)'s unilateral actions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to alliance principles. The NCP is poised to announce candidates for five seats separately, further highlighting the growing disunity within the coalition.
With the MVA partners engaged in public squabbles, the unity and electoral prospects of the alliance appear uncertain, potentially jeopardizing its collective performance in the upcoming polls.
