Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Congress, Uddhav Sena Struggle To Finalise Maha Election Seats

As the deadline for filing nominations for the Maharashtra assembly elections approaches, the opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi, finds itself in a tight spot, with no announcement regarding candidates for twenty seats.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress party are currently engaged in intense negotiations over seat allocations.

Current Candidate Distribution

So far, the Congress party has confirmed candidates for 102 seats, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced candidates for 84 seats, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has declared candidates for 82 seats. Altogether, the coalition has finalized candidates for 268 of the 288 seats in the assembly, leaving twenty seats yet to be filled.

Disputed Seats

Sources indicate that Congress leaders are particularly focused on securing the Versova, Byculla, and Wadala constituencies in Mumbai, seeking a seat exchange with Shiv Sena (UBT). However, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has already declared its candidates for these seats and has instead offered the Borivali and Mulund constituencies as alternatives.

Congress state in-charge Ramesh Chennithala reportedly contacted Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut and MLC Milind Narvekar, warning that if an exchange does not occur, Congress may have to prepare for a "friendly fight" in these contested areas.

The Mahayuti Alliance's Progress

In contrast, the Mahayuti alliance has made significant progress, announcing candidates for 281 out of 288 seats. The BJP has confirmed candidates for 146 seats, the Shiv Sena for 78 seats, and Ajit Pawar's NCP for 51 seats. The remaining candidates are expected to be announced soon, with a few seats reserved for smaller parties.

Initially, the BJP aimed to contest 150 seats but has reduced this to 146, leaving four seats available for smaller allies, including the Yuva Swabhiman Party, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, Republican Party of India (Athavale), and Jan Surajya Shakti Paksha. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has set aside two seats from its quota for smaller parties, and the NCP, which is anticipated to be allotted 58 seats, has announced candidates for 51.

Upcoming Election Schedule

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for a single phase on November 20, with the counting of votes set for November 23. As negotiations continue and candidates are finalized, all eyes are on the opposition coalition's ability to unite and present a strong front against the ruling parties.