Maharashtra Assembly Elections: MVA Nears Agreement Amid Seat-Sharing Challenges
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an opposition coalition in Maharashtra, is approaching a key juncture in its discussions on seat-sharing for the upcoming state assembly elections. The alliance, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Sharad Pawar’s leadership, has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement on the distribution of 260 seats out of a total of 288. This arrangement emerged following an intensive meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, where senior leaders from all three parties participated to iron out the details.
However, contention persists over the remaining 28 seats, as all three partners have laid claim to them, making negotiations particularly challenging. Sources indicate that further discussions will continue into Friday, with an option to extend talks to Saturday if necessary. A senior MVA figure involved in the deliberations acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that each party’s interest in these remaining seats has created a significant hurdle in reaching a final settlement. Nonetheless, efforts are ongoing to devise a seat allocation strategy that will maximize the alliance’s overall prospects in the elections.
Within the proposed agreement, Congress is expected to contest between 110 and 115 seats, benefiting from its strong showing in recent Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) has its sights set on securing 83 to 86 seats, with a focus on maintaining influence in its traditional strongholds, particularly in Mumbai and the Konkan region. The NCP (SP) aims to field candidates in 72 to 75 constituencies, concentrating efforts in western Maharashtra, where it continues to face stiff competition from the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP.
The most pressing challenge remains the allocation of the final 20 to 25 seats, which are located in areas where each party perceives a high likelihood of success. This shared interest has prolonged negotiations, making it difficult to resolve the impasse. As efforts to break the deadlock continue, MVA leaders are keenly aware of the importance of these discussions for the coalition’s chances of success. To enhance electoral prospects, the alliance is working on a seat-sharing arrangement that will optimize the strengths of each member party.
Additionally, the MVA faces the task of integrating smaller partners into the fold. The Samajwadi Party (SP), for instance, has requested 12 seats, arguing that it has a strong presence in these constituencies. The SP currently holds two seats in the Maharashtra Assembly, with representatives in Mumbai and Bhiwandi. Although no decision has been made regarding the SP’s request, MVA leaders have left the door open for further negotiations. They have indicated that accommodating smaller allies, such as the SP, Left parties, and the Peasants and Workers Party, remains part of their broader strategy to consolidate opposition forces and challenge the ruling Mahayuti government.
The seat-sharing discussions have also highlighted regional priorities for each alliance member. Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, is pushing to secure more seats in Mumbai and the Konkan belt, where it has a well-established presence. Meanwhile, Congress aims to expand its influence in Vidarbha, a region where it has identified opportunities for electoral gains. The NCP (SP) is particularly focused on maintaining its foothold in western Maharashtra, an agriculturally significant area that remains a critical battleground.
The Congress party’s preparations have gained momentum, with its parliamentary board meeting in Delhi on Wednesday to finalize candidates for 60 constituencies in Maharashtra. Although the current focus is on state politics, all parties within the MVA are cognizant of the broader implications these elections will have on the national political landscape.
As the MVA works towards finalizing its seat-sharing agreement, the coalition’s leaders remain engaged in efforts to strike a balance that satisfies each party’s interests while strengthening the alliance’s overall position against the ruling establishment.