After announcing its initial list of candidates in Maharashtra for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) faced criticism from Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, who is also a member of the MVA negotiating committee. Thorat expressed dissatisfaction with Sena’s decision to announce candidates for Mumbai South Central, Bhiwandi, and Sangli, stating that these seats were still subject to discussion.
“Sena should not have announced the candidates for Mumbai South Central and Sangli. These were still under discussion,” Thorat remarked in an interview with ANI.
Anil Desai was nominated by Shiv Sena (UBT) for the Mumbai South Central parliamentary constituency, while Chandrahar Patil was selected for Sangli.
Expressing discontent with the list released by Shiv Sena, Thorat urged them to reconsider their candidates and adhere to the spirit of the Aghadi alliance. He highlighted ongoing discussions on certain seats and questioned the unilateral announcement of candidates.
“Discussion was ongoing on the seats of Sangli, Bhiwandi, and South Central Mumbai. In such a situation, how can candidates’ names be announced in a one-sided manner? This issue will be discussed in the next meeting of Mahavikas Aghadi,” Thorat emphasized.
Additionally, Thorat mentioned that Congress leaders from Sangli would be traveling to Delhi to meet with the party’s high command. Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad also expressed dissatisfaction with Shiv Sena’s unilateral announcements, particularly regarding the seats under discussion.
“Shiv Sena UBT should not have unilaterally declared candidates on the Sangli seat and the seats where discussions were still on among allies. We have conveyed our displeasure to the party leadership about Mumbai, and we will take steps as suggested by our leadership,” Gaikwad remarked.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut unveiled the list of 17 candidates, including those for various constituencies in Maharashtra. The alliance between UBT Sena, Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and the Congress will contest the Maharashtra polls together.
Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra are scheduled in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra is the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 contested seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena secured 18 out of 23 seats.