Tensions rise within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtraas Congress leader Milind Deora asserts the party’s position as the leading opposition force in the state. The rift emerged following Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s suggestion of no compromise over seat-sharing talks within the INDIA bloc.
In response to Raut’s remarks, Milind Deora took to social media, stating, “No alliance can proceed without consultation with the local leadership of Maharashtra. This idea is also supported and endorsed by AICC.” Deora emphasized that the Congress is the largest opposition party in the Maharashtra Assembly and plays a crucial role in the MVA coalition.
The dispute over seat-sharing within the MVA alliance is a significant challenge, and Deora’s comments reflect the growing tension within the coalition. Sanjay Raut had hinted that Shiv Sena is the largest party in Maharashtra, indicating a firm stance on seat negotiations.
In a recent video, Raut stated, “This is Maharashtra, and Shiv Sena is the biggest party here. Congress is a national party. Uddhav Thackeray is having positive discussions with the decision-making leaders of Congress, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and KC Venugopal.”
The INDIA alliance, consisting of various regional parties, is facing challenges in seat-sharing talks in multiple states, including Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal. The major partners, including Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Congress, are navigating complex negotiations to form a united front against the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming general elections.
While Mamata Banerjee expressed her desire for the TMC to contest alone in Bengal, she affirmed the continuation of the INDIA alliance across the country. Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav also stressed the importance of the “PDA” (Pichde, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak) coalition to defeat the BJP.
The seat-sharing discussions are crucial for the unity of the INDIA alliance, and Congress aims to approach them with an “open mind,” as stated by Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications. The developments within the alliance will significantly impact the political landscape leading up to the general elections.
