Anil Deshmukh, former Home Minister of Maharashtra and NCP leader (Sharad Pawar faction), revealed ongoing discussions between the leaders of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP regarding seat sharing for the Lok Sabha elections within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition.
Deshmukh stated, “The talks between the leaders of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP are underway. There is no dispute at all. Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Congress leaders will make the announcement. However, before that, discussions will be tabled with VBA chief Balasaheb Ambedkar (Prakash Ambedkar) as well. We request him to come with us for the Lok Sabha polls, we are also hopeful that Ambedkar’s VBA will join us, and together we will take the final call.”
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the leaders of the opposition MVA alliance in Maharashtra, likening them to a three-wheeled Maha Vikas Aghadi ‘auto’ with all its tires punctured. Shah questioned whether this “punctured auto” could ensure development in the state.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray recently characterized the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as a battle between dictatorship and democracy. Thackeray, along with the NCP (undivided) and Congress, formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi after the 2019 assembly elections, subsequently assuming the role of chief minister.
Following internal challenges, the MVA government collapsed in June 2022, leading to Eknath Shinde forming an alliance with the BJP and becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra. The MVA, comprised of Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), is yet to finalize the seat-sharing arrangement for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
(With agency inputs)
