Maharashtra Polls: MVA, Mahayuti Strategise For Photo Finish Victory Amid Defection, Power Play Concerns

As the countdown to the Maharashtra assembly election results continues, both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are making bold preparations to secure their position in what could be a closely contested race, reported the Hindustan Times.

The Mahayuti alliance - comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP - is optimistic, buoyed by exit polls predicting a majority. However, they are leaving nothing to chance, reportedly booking helicopters and hotels to safeguard their MLAs and prevent defections to rival camps.

This election has seen a rise in Independent and rebel candidates, who are often courted by major parties to bolster their numbers. The Mahayuti coalition is actively engaging with these candidates to shore up support should they fall short of the 145 seats needed for a simple majority.

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed confidence in the alliance's chances. "I think we will surpass the majority mark. We currently have 105 MLAs, and we will win more seats this time. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will also perform well. Together, the three of us will secure more than a majority," he stated. Bawankule added, "Even if there is no need for Independents, we will still take them along. Independents are always happy to support the government for the development of their constituencies."

Meanwhile, the MVA - comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP) - faces a dual challenge. It must secure enough seats to form a government while countering the BJP's potential 'Operation Lotus' tactics in the event of a hung assembly. Senior MVA leaders convened in Mumbai to strategise, discussing various scenarios, including a close contest and a hung assembly.

On Thursday evening, Balasaheb Thorat of Congress, Jayant Patil of NCP (SP), and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) held a two-hour meeting in Mumbai. They later met separately with Uddhav Thackeray, the Sena (UBT) chief, and Sharad Pawar, the NCP (SP) president.

Thorat expressed confidence in the MVA's ability to form the next government. "We took a review of all 288 constituencies and are confident of getting the required numbers," he said. When asked about seeking support from Independents and smaller parties, he replied, "I don't think we will need outside support."

Thorat also voiced concerns about the counting process. "We have decided that all the counting agents should not leave their positions until the last vote is counted and results are officially declared by the respective authorities at the counting booths. We are issuing directives in this regard," he stated.

MVA insiders have raised concerns about fair play, particularly the possibility of the Governor inviting the BJP to form the government if it emerges as the single largest party, even without a majority. "We are worried that the Governor may invite the BJP to form the government if it emerges as the single largest party, even if the Mahayuti does not get the majority number of seats," said an MVA leader.

Another leader warned of a potential bid by the BJP to impose President's rule if neither side crosses the majority threshold. "They took advantage of a similar situation in 2019, when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray met the then Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi, seeking a support letter, and got President's rule imposed. We want to avoid a similar situation this time," the leader said.

To counter such moves, the MVA is focusing on keeping its winning candidates united and engaging with Independents and rebels if necessary. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed optimism, saying, "MVA will get 160 to 165 seats and we may stake our claim in the evening of the same day."

His remarks indicate the MVA's intent to pre-empt any political manoeuvring by the ruling Mahayuti alliance.