Mumbai: The Congress party’s defeat in the Haryana assembly elections has cast a shadow over its position within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra. With the November 20 state assembly elections fast approaching, the party faces mounting pressure to resolve internal conflicts and seat-sharing disagreements with its allies, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). The MVA, formed to challenge the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, is battling internal fractures, especially over key seats in Mumbai and Vidarbha.
Congress’s insistence on claiming 125 seats despite its weakened position after Haryana has frustrated its partners, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT). Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed dissatisfaction with Congress leader Nana Patole’s confrontational approach, which he believes is hindering negotiations. The impasse has led to public spats, exposing rifts within the alliance.
Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, attempting to maintain unity, downplayed the significance of Haryana’s results on Maharashtra’s elections, announcing that consensus has been reached on 200 of the 288 assembly seats. Pawar insisted that while Congress must reflect on its defeat, the focus should be on the upcoming Maharashtra polls, where the stakes are higher. Pawar emphasized the need for strategic coordination to counter the ruling BJP, which has been emboldened by its victory in Haryana.
The BJP’s confidence, following its electoral success, poses a significant challenge to the MVA’s cohesion. Congress’s perceived weakness could not only reduce its negotiating power within the MVA but also impact voter sentiment. As voters in Maharashtra witness the splintering of both Shiv Sena and NCP, a disunited Congress could further alienate an already uncertain electorate.
Congress must now reassess its electoral strategy and mend alliances to present a united front. Its ability to do so could determine its relevance in both the upcoming state election and the 2024 national elections. The road ahead is difficult, but with careful planning, Congress can still regain lost ground in Maharashtra.
