Disquiet between MVA partners over Sangli, Bhiwandi refuses to die down

Patole said that during Wednesday’s meeting between the MVA allies, he told NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar to not take any step on Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, otherwise there will be consequences.

Stating that the alliance partners are not following the “alliance dharma”, Patole said that the party will not participate in campaigning in these seats till the matter is resolved. (File Photo)

The disquiet between the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance partners — the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) — over Sangli and Bhiwandi seats is refusing to die down.

The Sena UBT and Congress are at loggerheads since the former announced the candidature of wrestler Chandrahar Patil for Sangli and Anil Desai for Mumbai South Central. The Congress had staked claim to both seats.

Additionally, Congress leaders were irked after the NCP (SP) announced the candidature of Bala Mhatre for Bhiwandi. The Congress had also staked claim to this seat.

Congress state president Nana Patole has expressed his displeasure with the Sena UBT and NCP (SP) over announcing candidates for Bhiwandi, Sangli and Mumbai South Central. He has also reached out to the party high command to intervene.

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Stating that the alliance partners are not following the “alliance dharma”, Patole said that the party will not participate in campaigning in these seats till the matter is resolved.

Patole said that during Wednesday’s meeting between the MVA allies, he told NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar to not take any step on Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, otherwise there will be consequences. However, Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut went ahead with his Sangli visit to prepare for campaigning and Sharad Pawar too announced its candidate for Bhiwandi. “If even the senior leaders are not following the ‘alliance dharma’ and announcing candidates unilaterally then it’s not good. Then it fuels discontent among the workers,” Patole said, adding that the Congress high command has been apprised of the matter and will take a decision on it.

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Sena UBT’s Sanjay Raut, however, said that the party will not leave Sangli. “The Sena UBT is going to fight for Sangli. The Congress should forget the Sangli seat and understand that each and every seat which we are going to contest and win is going to support Congress’ prime ministerial candidate only,” Raut, who is in Sangli to oversee campaign preparations, said.

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Earlier on Wednesday, Uddhav had offered the Congress two seats, Mumbai North and Mumbai North Central. Uddhav had urged the Congress to announce candidates for the seats so that Sena UBT workers can start campaign preparations.

The Sena UBT has so far declared candidates in 21 seats.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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