With the Maharashtra Assembly elections approaching, friction is building within the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, as Congress and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) lock horns over the Bandra (East) constituency. Despite the seat-sharing agreement in place, the announcement of Varun Sardesai as Shiv Sena’s candidate for Bandra (East) has ignited tensions between the two allies.
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray announced Sardesai, a close relative of Aditya Thackeray and an active figure in the Yuva Sena for over 14 years, as their official candidate. Sardesai’s strong ties with the Thackeray family have bolstered his candidacy. However, the decision has left many Congress leaders disgruntled, especially since Zeeshan Siddiqui, the current MLA from Congress, won the seat in the 2019 elections.
The Congress party, which has traditionally viewed Bandra (East) as a stronghold due to its significant Muslim population, is now caught in a dilemma. Several Congress leaders were eager to contest from the constituency, and the Shiv Sena’s move has caused considerable discontent within the party. Many Congress members feel sidelined, sparking internal strife as the elections loom closer.
Shiv Sena, on the other hand, justifies its decision, stating that the UBT alliance had previously given the Chinchwad seat to Congress, paving the way for Shiv Sena’s candidate in Bandra (East). The move is being viewed as part of the alliance’s larger strategy to secure key constituencies, but it has raised questions about the fragility of the coalition in critical areas.
Bandra (East), with its considerable Muslim voter base, remains a coveted seat for both Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), making this political tug-of-war even more significant. The internal disputes within MVA, as seen in this clash over a key constituency, cast doubt on the coalition’s ability to present a united front in the upcoming elections. The Congress is expected to deliberate further on the issue as party leaders seek to resolve this growing rift.