Maharashtra's Political Drama: Tensions Rise Within MVA As Seat Disputes Surface

The 'INDIA' bloc, particularly within the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, finds itself amidst escalating tensions as internal conflicts surface. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has unilaterally declared candidates for 17 seats, disregarding formal negotiations with its allies, the Congress and NCP. Among these seats, contention arises as three are claimed by state Congress leaders. Sanjay Nirupam of the Congress criticizes the Shiv Sena for fielding Amol Kirtikar from North West Mumbai, especially as Kirtikar faces scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate regarding alleged irregularities in distributing aid during the Covid-19 pandemic. This dispute between the Shiv Sena and Congress casts a shadow over the opposition alliance. State Congress leaders express concerns about Sangli, a traditional stronghold, possibly being conceded to the Sena, although the Shiv Sena maintains that seat distribution has been finalized. Meanwhile, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, led by Prakash Ambedkar, decides to break away from the MVA and go solo. Ambedkar cites the MVA's refusal to acknowledge the significance of Manoj Jarange Patil in alliance considerations as the reason behind this decision. As the political landscape in Maharashtra intensifies, the battle between the BJP-led Mahayuti and the opposition's vikas aghadi becomes increasingly unpredictable. The squabbling over seats threatens to undermine both alliances, potentially leading to more vote fragmentation rather than consolidation in the upcoming elections.