MVA allies field different candidates in four seats

In its fourth list on Sunday, Congress declared Dilip Mane as the party candidate from Solapur south where Sena UBT has announced Amar Patil as its candidate.

This declaration of different candidates from the same seat is likely to affect the relations of three parties. (Express File)

In what is likely to create some bitterness among the Opposition alliance, two parties of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — Shiv Sena UBT, Congress and NCP (SP) — have declared candidates in at least four assembly seats in Maharashtra.

In its fourth list on Sunday, Congress declared Dilip Mane as the party candidate from Solapur south where Sena UBT has announced Amar Patil as its candidate.

In the Paranda assembly seat of Dharashiv district, Sena UBT declared Rahul Patil, son of former MLA late Dynaneshwar Patil, as its candidate. NCP (SP) has announced the name of former MLA Rahul Mote from this seat. At present, the seat is represented by state Health Minister Tanaji Sawant.

From Digras assembly seat in Yavatmal, Sena UBT has announced Pawan Jaiswal as the party candidate, while the Congress has declared former Maharashtra Congress chief Manikrao Thakre from the seat.

Also Read | With names for 236 seats declared, MVA allies focus on strongholds

Similarly, both Sena UBT and Congress are adamant on contesting Miraj assembly seat in Sangli district. According to sources, the Congress was ready to give A & B form to Suresh Nagre from Jintur assembly in Parbhani district, while the NCP-SP has declared Vijay Bambhale from this seat. However, Nagre has now filed his nomination from Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA).

This declaration of different candidates from the same seat is likely to affect the relations of three parties. Commenting on Congress’ announcement of Mane’s candidature from Solapur south, Sena UBT’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday said, “I consider it a typing mistake from Congress. Such a mistake could happen from our side as well.”

On Congress leaders’ insistence on contesting the Miraj seat, Raut said that if this “infection” (of fielding candidates against allies) spreads across the state, then it will create problems for the MVA.

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Speaking to reporters in Bhandara, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said that the issues of seat sharing will be settled by Tuesday. “Now, it is time to take the Mahayuti government head on. I think that Sanjay Rautji should consider not commenting on seat sharing issues,” he said.

Alok Deshpande

Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues. Expertise Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai. Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands'). Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including: State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana). Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides). Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits. Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects. Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission. Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards. Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra. He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More

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