Nagpur: The recent decision to allocate seats based on ‘elective merit’ has sparked discontent among the constituent parties of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). If this decision is implemented, the Congress may end up with no seats in the city, as the party has indicated its intention to contest all six city seats. This has led to unease within both the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar. With elections approaching, officials from both parties feel the need to take action.
Much like the Mahayuti alliance, which comprises three parties, the MVA is also grappling with similar concerns. The MVA’s allies are keen to secure at least one seat in the city. The Thackeray faction, having previously contested the South Nagpur and East Nagpur seats, is pushing to claim at least one of these constituencies again.
The Shiv Sena Thackeray faction asserts that its presence must be maintained in the city and has candidates for both seats. Consequently, they have decided to file claims during the seat allocation process. Additionally, some leaders from the Thackeray faction have met with party chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai to provide updates on the party’s organizational status in recent elections.
Sanjay Raut, a key MP, also demanded the two seats when he visited Nagpur, adding to the uncertainty regarding seat allocations. Discussions on seat-sharing within the MVA have begun, with each party positioning itself to maximize its electoral gains.