Rift Emerges in Mahavikas Aghadi Over Pune Constituencies Ahead of Maharashtra Legislative Elections
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 18th October 2024: A rift has surfaced within the Mahavikas Aghadi alliance in Pune, particularly over the allocation of four key constituencies: Hadapsar, Wadgaon Sheri, Parvati, and Khadakwasla. The conflict, primarily between Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Nationalist Congress Sharadchandra Party (NCP-SP), has sparked political debates ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections. The Indian National Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP) are part of the Mahavikas Aghadi and plan to contest the elections together.
With the election schedule now announced, the final decision on seat allocation within the Mahavikas Aghadi is expected in the coming days. However, disagreements persist over certain constituencies in Pune. The city has eight assembly constituencies, and the alliance has already reached a consensus on four: Kasba Peth, Kothrud, Shivajinagar, and Pune Cantonment. Congress will field candidates in Kasba Peth, Shivajinagar, and Pune Cantonment. Ravindra Dhangekar, Congress MLA for Kasba Peth, holds the seat, while Congress made significant gains in Shivajinagar and Pune Cantonment in the previous election. Kothrud, meanwhile, is expected to go to Shiv Sena (UBT).
The dispute arises over Shiv Sena (UBT)’s claim to the Hadapsar and Wadgaon Sheri constituencies, which the NCP (SP) strongly opposes. The Parvati constituency is also contentious, with Congress vying for it as part of the seat-sharing arrangement. NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, has expressed a willingness to cede Parvati to Uddhav Sena in exchange for Hadapsar, but Congress is also eyeing Parvati, escalating tensions. Although Congress has not laid claim to Wadgaon Sheri, Uddhav Sena insists that Khadakwasla should be allocated to them instead of Wadgaon Sheri. This deadlock over the four constituencies continues, fueling uncertainty within the alliance.
Additionally, discussions have emerged around the potential candidacy of Bhegde, who may run as an independent or join NCP (SP) if he is denied a nomination.
