Maharashtra 2024 Elections: MVA Faces Seat-Sharing Conflicts Between Shiv Sena UBT and Congress
- Disputes over 10 to 12 seats exist between Shiv Sena UBT and Congress, notably including Versova and Bandra East.
- UBT's Sanjay Raut has changed his position on contesting over 100 seats, indicating flexibility regarding seat allocations.
- The contrasting dynamics in negotiations could significantly affect the political landscape in Maharashtra as elections approach.
In Maharashtra, tensions are rising within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, primarily between the Shiv Sena UBT and Congress, over seat-sharing conflicts in the lead-up to the 2024 Assembly elections. Reports detail disputes over 10 to 12 seats, contrasting with only 2 to 3 disputes in the opposing Mahayuti alliance. Key seats in contention include Versova, Bandra East, Byculla, and several others, with both parties asserting claims based on prior distributions and voter demographics. UBT MP Sanjay Raut, who initially projected that his party would contest over 100 seats, has recently softened his position, indicating openness to an arrangement that might see alliance partners take more seats. This suggests a potential shift in coalition dynamics, where UBT is navigating its stance amidst increasing pressure from Congress’s leadership, which has publicly expressed dissatisfaction over UBT's unilateral decisions in candidate allocations. Simultaneously, the Mahayuti alliance appears to be fostering a more collaborative environment, with positive dialogues between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis regarding seat distributions. This highlights an important contrast in how each alliance is approaching negotiations and consensus-building. As discussions are expected to conclude soon, it remains to be seen how these disputes and negotiations will influence voter sentiments and the overall election outcome in Maharashtra's complex political landscape.