Amidst recent tensions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole addressed concerns about seat-sharing, particularly regarding the Shiv Sena’s desire to contest 23 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general election. Patole, on January 3, clarified that Uddhav Thackeray had not made such a demand, and the allocation of seats within the MVA coalition would be determined solely on merit.
Speaking in Pune, Patole emphasized that neither Thackeray nor other key leaders had specified the number of seats each party would contest. He mentioned that the leadership of all three coalition partners, including Sharad Pawar and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, would collaborate to decide the seat-sharing arrangement.
Responding to Sanjay Raut’s earlier statement about the Shiv Sena’s intention to contest 23 seats, Patole stated that there was no internal discord within the MVA regarding seat allocation.
He highlighted that the MVA’s approach is merit-based, and the final formula for seat distribution would be communicated shortly.
Patole expressed confidence in the MVA’s electoral success, projecting a victory in 40-41 out of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Regarding the potential inclusion of Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi into the MVA, Patole asserted the Congress’s willingness to align with anyone opposed to the BJP.
Despite Patole’s assurances, Ambedkar urged the Congress to abandon its ‘big brother’ attitude and suggested that the party contest only five seats in Bihar for the greater good of the nation.
Ambedkar emphasized the importance of defeating Modi and advised prioritizing the collective goal over maintaining a dominating stance.
