Fissures in MVA after Sena releases names
VBA leader Prakash hints at alliance with Maha quota activist
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra developed fissures as the Shiv Sena (UBT) announced 17 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Congress objected to Uddhav Thackeray’s unilateral announcement of candidates while discussions were ongoing about contested seats. Contentious seats like Sangli and Mumbai South Central were included in the list. Sangli, historically a Congress stronghold, saw the Sena nominate Chandrahar Patil. Similarly, the Sena's nomination of Anil Desai for Mumbai South Central conflicted with Congress’ desire to field Varsha Gaikwad. Congress leaders urged the Sena to reconsider its stand. Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam even suggested breaking the alliance with Shiv Sena due to the developments. Despite tensions, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut downplayed the situation, stating such occurrences were normal in alliances and wouldn't affect the MVA.
Meanwhile, Vanchit
Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar hinted at a new alliance with Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange for the Lok Sabha polls. Ambedkar officially parted ways with the MVA and unveiled his first list of candidates, including himself for the Akola Lok Sabha seat.
Following a meeting with Jarange, Ambedkar expressed a desire to embrace all communities and marginalised sections, with plans to field OBC and Jain candidates. Jarange indicated openness to the alliance but deferred the final decision to April 30, urging the Maratha community to deliberate on contesting the polls.
In another development, Union minister Nitin Gadkari filed his nomination for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, accompanied by senior leaders including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP leader Praful Patel.
The BJP organised a massive show of strength rally for the occasion. Nagpur is one of five Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra going to polls on April 19. The BJP —
and MVA are expected to fiercely contest these seats. Other candidates include Raju Parwe from Ramtek, Sudhir Mungantiwar from Chandrapur, and Sunil Mendhe from Bhandaragondia. Congress has fielded new faces, with the VBA also contesting in some constituencies. A total of 183 candidates filed nominations for the first phase, with withdrawal allowed until April 30. In the last election, BJP-SENA alliance won eight out of ten Vidarbha seats, while Congress and an independent candidate won the remaining two.