NEW DELHI: Maha Vikas Aghadi agreed on 125 of 288 seats. Remaining seats will be finalized after Ganesh Utsav, says Congress leader.
The major alliance partners in both the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti camps are facing confusion over seat sharing. Sources indicate that in each alliance, there are at least three strong candidates in each constituency vying for tickets.
This situation has led to speculation that both alliances could face difficulties on the electoral ground, with the potential for a strong third front to emerge. According to leaders aware of the developments, those who are overlooked or denied tickets in both alliances might rebel, forming a third front or joining an existing group, potentially disrupting the electoral balance of both alliances.
A political analyst in the state stated, “There are three parties in both the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti camps. In each party, there are aspirants for every seat, but when the alliance forms, seats have to be shared among partners. Many aspirants who have worked in their constituencies may not get to contest, which can leave them disheartened. This time, the number of such aspirants is quite large. Many individuals will not receive tickets, making it possible for a third front of these people to take shape.”
He continued, “There are six major parties contesting the elections, but they are divided into two camps. Only two strong candidates will get tickets, leaving four other strong candidates from the remaining parties, who usually have at least 20,000 votes, without a chance to contest. Where will they go? Some may damage their own formation, while others might attempt to form a third front.”
Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi parties have reached an agreement on 125 out of 288 Maharashtra assembly seats. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar recently said, “We have decided on 125 seats; the remaining seats will be finalized after Ganesh Utsav when the three parties will meet again to finalize the alliance.”
However, the ruling Mahayuti bloc is struggling to finalize a seat-sharing formula. The BJP aims for around 150 seats, while Shiv Sena wants nearly 90, and NCP seeks over 70 seats. BJP leaders have indicated a goal of clearing at least 100 seats between the allies within 15 days.
Additionally, some political observers believe that Uddhav Thackeray is not driving the narrative this time. In contrast, the ruling faction led by Eknath Shinde is seen as being on a mission to build his party and strengthen his Sena cadre. A party insider noted, “He is bringing in anyone from other parties whom he believes can strengthen his front. He secured half the seats contested against the Uddhav-led Sena. Out of 15 seats where the Shiv Sena directly contested with Shiv Sena (UBT), it won six, including Thane, Kalyan, Hatkanangale, Buldhana, Aurangabad, and Maval.”
Moreover, insiders suggest that the sympathy factor previously presumed to be with Uddhav Thackeray has shifted to Sharad Pawar. An expert explained, “The sympathy factor works only once, and Uddhav used it after he was chosen to lead the alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. Even in those elections, his performance was subpar, with the lowest strike rate in the alliance.”