Maharashtra Polls: Maha Vikas Aghadi Faces ‘Vidarbha Heat’ As Both Congress, Sena UBT Seek More Seats | Exclusive

Sources have indicated that during seat-sharing talks, intense debates took place regarding Vidarbha. (PTI File)

Although the state Congress chief had previously stated that the MVA could declare its list and seat-sharing formula on Dussehra, sources now suggest that the MVA may only announce the first list of candidates — those contesting in strong and secure seats

Although a few leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, who are not part of the discussions, claim that the seat-sharing formula and candidate list may be announced on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on Saturday, News18 has learnt that Vidarbha remains a sticky issue between the Congress and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).

According to the latest survey conducted by these two parties, there appears to be an anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sentiment in the Vidarbha region.

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Historically, the Congress has had a strong base in Vidarbha, but from 2014 to 2024, the BJP made significant inroads and captured the region. However, in the most recent Lok Sabha elections, the Congress managed to win a good number of seats from Vidarbha.

The Shiv Sena UBT, determined to give the BJP a one-on-one fight, especially as the BJP played a behind-the-scenes role in breaking their party and toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government in Maharashtra, wants its fair share in the region.

Sources have indicated that during seat-sharing talks, intense debates took place regarding Vidarbha. As a result, it was decided that strong and secure seats should be discussed and announced first, while the more contentious seats, such as those in Vidarbha, would be left for further discussion later.

MAHAYUTI STRENGTH, HARYANA POLL FACTOR

Although the state Congress chief had previously stated that the MVA could declare its list and seat-sharing formula on Dussehra, sources now suggest that the MVA may only announce the first list of candidates — those contesting in strong and secure seats. For the next three days, the MVA will be holding hectic meetings to try and finalise the seat-sharing talks.

The recent results of the Haryana elections will certainly play a crucial role, as the Congress’s bargaining power may be questioned by its allies. A source from the Shiv Sena UBT mentioned that if their party gets fewer seats in Vidarbha than their demand, they will not allow the Congress to get more seats in Mumbai.

A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The Congress is likely to get more seats than Shiv Sena UBT and NCP (Sharad Pawar) because it has the strength and candidates. It will be difficult for the other two parties to fill the gap, as many of their MLAs who left have a strong hold in their respective constituencies. Plus, the way the ruling Mahayuti government — BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP (Ajit Pawar) — will use money power in this election, it will be very hard to tackle that."

COUNTERING LADKI BAHIN

The MVA is also preparing a counter-strategy to address the ‘Ladki Bahin scheme’ floated by the ruling Mahayuti government. The MVA is considering increasing the amount from Rs 1,500-2,000, which may attract more women voters. As part of their strategy, the MVA may soon announce a ‘Guarantee Card’, which will consist of government schemes to be implemented if the MVA comes to power.

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They will also present a manifesto focusing on their policies for the people of Maharashtra, along with a charge sheet against the Mahayuti government, highlighting various scams and failures.

A source within the MVA mentioned that terms like ‘Gaddar’ and ‘Khoke’ will make a return in the assembly election campaign against Eknath Shinde and his party leaders. The MVA’s campaign will focus on issues such as unemployment, job losses, industries shifting to other states, lack of support for farmers and government corruption.