
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition in Maharashtra, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), is facing mounting challenges ahead of the state assembly elections. Internal disputes over seat-sharing, highlighted by Congress leader Nana Patole, have led to perceptions of disarray within the alliance. These issues are reportedly centered on about 30-40 seats, with Vidarbha emerging as a significant point of contention. While party leaders have downplayed rifts, the delays in finalizing agreements have raised concerns about the alliance’s cohesiveness.
The MVA’s seat-sharing arrangement appears disproportionate, with Congress contesting 14 out of 36 seats in Mumbai, Shiv Sena 18, and the NCP just 2. This uneven split has drawn criticism, especially as Congress struggles to maintain its relevance within the coalition. Contrastingly, the ruling Mahayuti coalition—comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)—has efficiently finalized its seat-sharing agreement and seems poised for a strong contest.
The recent Lok Sabha elections demonstrated cracks in the MVA’s voter base. The BJP retained dominance in several assembly segments, while internal strategists within the MVA failed to mobilize a cohesive voter bloc. Many political analysts believe Congress’s diminishing influence and inability to act decisively are negatively impacting the coalition. The delays and discord within the MVA provide an edge to the Mahayuti in the November elections, solidifying BJP’s prospects of regaining control in Maharashtra.