Maharashtra Assembly Polls: Sharad Pawar Calls For Immediate Decision On Seat Sharing In MVA

With the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections expected to take place by the end of 2024, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar has called for immediate decision over seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Addressing a press conference on Friday (4 October) Pawar called for a quick decision on seat sharing within MVA and also mentioned that till now there had been three to four meetings on the subject. While there has been understanding on some issues, others are there to be resolved on the meetings scheduled for the 7, 8, and 9 October, he added.

Pawar also clarified that there was no conflict within the MVA during the Lok Sabha election, following a fray between the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT over contestation from the Sangli constituency.

However, Pawar declined to comment on the specifics of the seat-sharing talks. He added: "Jayant Patil is present on our behalf in those meetings, he will speak on this subject. From the Congress side, Nana Patole and some of his colleagues and Sanjay Raut and some of his other colleagues are involved in the discussion".

Speaking on speculations around Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar not contesting elections from Baramati, the senior Pawar said, "If he feels that he made a mistake by fighting against the family in the Lok Sabha elections, then ask him if he will repeat it in the Assembly."

Sharad Pawar expressed hope that a final decision on seat sharing will be taken quickly and asserted that "people want change in Maharashtra and this situation is favourable for us and we should respect this feeling of the people's mind."

Recently, on a visit to the state, Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, indicated that elections to the Maharashtra assembly would be completed before 26 November.