With the results of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 just hours away, political maneuvering is already underway as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance—comprising Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Shiv Sena (UBT)—prepares for potential challenges. Reports suggest that Congress has initiated “resort politics,” strategizing to secure its winning MLAs and prevent defections amid fears of poaching attempts by the BJP.
Congress Plans Relocation to Secure MLAs
Anticipating post-result pressures, Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar has been tasked with maintaining communication with winning candidates and coordinating their potential relocation. Plans are in place to airlift MLAs to secure locations in Karnataka or Telangana, safeguarding them until the government formation process is completed. Reports indicate that Congress has already identified “safe seats” for its MLAs, ensuring swift action if required.
This precautionary approach reflects Congress’s concern over possible political tactics that could destabilize the alliance. “We are determined to protect our MLAs and the integrity of the MVA,” a Congress insider revealed.
Sanjay Raut Confident of MVA Majority
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed optimism about the MVA’s performance, claiming that the alliance is set to win a clear majority. “We are confident that 160-165 of our MLAs will be elected,” Raut stated at a press conference. Addressing concerns about BJP’s alleged attempts to lure MLAs, he added, “The ‘Khokha walas’ will try to pressurize our MLAs, but we have made arrangements to keep them united.”
On the selection of a Chief Ministerial candidate, Raut clarified, “No formula has been decided yet. Sharad Pawar, Congress, and Uddhav Thackeray will jointly choose the CM. The decision will be unanimous after discussions.”
Counting Arrangements in Place
The Election Commission has set up 288 counting centers across Maharashtra’s Assembly constituencies, along with an additional center for the Nanded Lok Sabha seat. The counting process begins at 8:00 AM with postal ballots, followed by Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes from 8:30 AM.
As Maharashtra waits for the final verdict, Congress’s strategic measures highlight the high stakes involved in maintaining the stability of the MVA alliance. The results will not only shape the state’s governance but also signal the future trajectory of Maharashtra’s political landscape.