Amid a deadlock over seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, tensions have erupted between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress, two major allies within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). As the November 20 polls approach, the failure to finalize constituency allocations is increasing pressure on the opposition alliance, which also includes the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

Despite the discord, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray sought to downplay the friction, cautioning that internal disagreements must not escalate to the point of threatening the alliance. He remained optimistic, saying, “Negotiations are in their final stages, and we expect a seat-sharing agreement to be reached within the next two to three days. Haggling among allies must not be allowed to reach a breaking point.”

Thackeray, while confident of sealing the deal by Saturday, emphasized that the political landscape in Maharashtra had shifted in favor of the MVA, projecting a united front despite the ongoing behind-the-scenes tensions.

However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut took a sharper tone, openly criticizing Congress leaders for the delays in finalizing the seat-sharing agreement. Raut pointed fingers at the Maharashtra Congress for inefficiency, stating, “The decision-making is slow because state leaders have to constantly consult the party’s central leadership in Delhi. The decision (on seat allocation) needs to happen at the earliest. Time is running out.”

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole was quick to respond, defending his party’s stance while taking a jab at Raut’s remarks. “Will Sanjay Raut or Jayant Patil (NCP SP) make any final decisions without consulting their respective leaders, Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar?” Patole asked, hinting at the collaborative nature of all parties within the MVA.

Acknowledging the delay in reaching a deal, Patole revealed that the Congress had already conceded 18 out of the 48 seats requested by Shiv Sena (UBT) but was still negotiating over 25 to 30 constituencies. He assured that the final decision would come from the party’s high command.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprised of the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP group, has also not finalized its seat-sharing formula, signaling that both political camps are embroiled in tough negotiations as they prepare for the high-stakes elections.

The Maharashtra assembly elections will be held in a single phase on November 20, with the MVA and Mahayuti alliances set to face off in what is expected to be a closely contested battle. The election comes against the backdrop of the collapse of the MVA government after Eknath Shinde’s rebellion and Ajit Pawar’s defection, creating a complex and volatile political environment.

In the 2019 elections, the Congress and NCP had contested together against the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, before Shiv Sena broke ties with the BJP to form the MVA government, which later disintegrated following Shinde’s defection. This year, the MVA is aiming for a comeback, as it positions itself against the ruling Mahayuti.