In a potential setback for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar dismissed the Shiv Sena UBT’s proposal to name a chief ministerial candidate for the coalition. On Saturday, Pawar emphasized that the alliance represents a collective face rather than spotlighting a single individual. This stance undermines Shiv Sena UBT’s efforts to position Uddhav Thackeray as the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
“Our alliance is our collective face. We don’t believe in one person’s face. Collective leadership is our formula,” Pawar stated, according to a report from Hindustan Times, addressing Shiv Sena UBT’s demand to name the MVA’s chief ministerial candidate ahead of the elections. When asked about Uddhav Thackeray’s potential candidacy, Pawar reiterated, “I told you, collective leadership will be our face.”
This declaration comes amid Shiv Sena UBT’s persistent attempts to elevate their party president as the MVA’s chief ministerial face. The issue threatens to spark internal conflict within the MVA. Since last Thursday, Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut has been advocating for Thackeray’s candidacy, maintaining his position despite Pawar’s rejection.
Responding to Pawar’s stance, Raut acknowledged, “What Sharad Pawar said is right.” He further affirmed that the MVA will achieve a majority in the state assembly elections. However, Raut also stated, “If Rahul Gandhi was declared the prime ministerial candidate in the Lok Sabha elections, it could have helped the INDIA alliance gain 25 to 30 additional seats nationwide.”
“It is our opinion. No government or institution should be without a face. People must know who they are voting for. People voted for Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Narendra Modi,” Raut reportedly stated. He insisted there is no disagreement about the MVA’s leadership face.
When asked if he still supports naming a chief ministerial candidate for the MVA, Raut responded, “This is our opinion. However, MVA comprises three parties. Everyone has seen the results of the Lok Sabha elections when all three parties contested together. Hence, we are going to contest the polls unitedly in any case.” He expressed confidence that the MVA will secure at least 175 to 180 seats in the assembly elections.
Last Thursday, Raut championed Thackeray, stating, “Uddhavji was chief minister in the MVA government. People do remember the good work done by him.” He also reminded allies of Thackeray’s leadership during the Lok Sabha elections.
Additionally, Pawar suggested that all three MVA parties should allocate seats to their respective smaller allies from their own quotas. “There are many parties, such as PWP, Left, and AAP among others, which helped us during the Lok Sabha elections and stood against the Modi government. Once the discussion on seat sharing is finalized, the three parties should decide how many seats they want to share with their smaller allies from their quota,” he told HT.
This internal debate within the MVA about leadership and election strategy highlights the challenges the alliance faces as it gears up for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections. The push and pull between collective leadership and individual prominence will likely shape the coalition’s campaign and its overall unity in the months ahead.