Maharashtra MVA Plans Elections with Uddhav Thackeray as Leader

In a recent meeting held in Delhi, leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition deliberated on their election strategy ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sources indicate that Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), is likely to be positioned as the chief ministerial candidate, while the Congress party is expected to contest a greater number of seats. This strategic alignment comes after the MVA's successful performance in the previous Lok Sabha elections, where it secured 30 out of 48 seats. The MVA's electoral success is underscored by its lead in over 150 assembly segments, contrasting with the Mahayuti alliance, which won only 18 seats and led in approximately 125 segments. During the meeting, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar emphasized the importance of discussing the coalition's manifesto, seat allocation, and future actions, including plans for a rally at Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai on August 16. He confirmed that the MVA would officially unite on that date, with ongoing work on the manifesto led by former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. However, Congress MP KC Venugopal characterized the meeting as a "courtesy meet," downplaying the significance of political discussions. This statement follows Thackeray's earlier meeting with Ramesh Chennithala, the All India Congress Committee in-charge of Maharashtra, who noted that discussions regarding the chief ministerial candidate were not on the agenda. The coalition's future strategies remain a focal point as they prepare for the elections.