3 min readMumbaiApr 12, 2024 02:12 PM IST
First published on: Apr 11, 2024 at 09:37 PM IST
The row over Mumbai seat-sharing arrangement in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has turned into an internal fight between Mumbai and Maharashtra units of the Congress party.
According to sources within the Mumbai Congress, the unit has complained against state Congress chief Nana Patole for overlooking party’s interests in seat-sharing talks. Out of the six seats in the Mumbai region, Congress will contest on two seats — Mumbai North Central and Mumbai North seats.
While Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad refused to criticise any party leader, she accepted that the leaders involved in negotiations should have been more aggressive for Mumbai.
A delegation of Mumbai Congress is likely to meet the party high command in Delhi on Friday requesting for a possible exchange of seats with its ally Sena UBT. “We used to fight five seats in Mumbai and NCP on one seat. Presently, we are a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. We were hoping that we should get an equal share of three seats. We had conveyed this to the leaders who were part of the seat sharing talks. Mumbai and Maharashtra are two different organisational units and the leadership should have strongly presented our demand,” said Varsha Gaikwad.
She claimed that though the party suffered few blows in recent times, the organisation on ground stands firm. “Our leaders should have given more stress on Mumbai’s seat-sharing. However, we all are in agreement with the decision taken by our party. But we will be conveying the reality to the high command,” said Gaikwad.
Gaikwad was interested in contesting from Mumbai South Central seat which has gone to Sena UBT.
When asked if she is considering the exchange of seats between Mumbai South Central and Mumbai North, Gaikwad said that the decision has been made. “But if the exchange takes place, we will welcome it,” she said, adding that the party will be working wholeheartedly for MVA candidates.
According to sources close to Patole, Gaikwad was involved in seat-sharing talks and she knew what was being discussed.
Meanwhile, Sena UBT leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said that every candidate contesting this election is of MVA and not of only one party. “She (Varsha) is our sister. We will talk to her and we are sure that the issue will be handled,” said Raut.
Varsha Gaikwad was interested in contesting from Mumbai South Central seat which has gone to Sena UBT. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty) 
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