The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is preparing to house all its newly-elected MLAs together in Mumbai after the Maharashtra assembly election results to prevent possible poaching by rival parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced this on Friday, explaining that the arrangement aims to safeguard the alliance’s integrity as it gears up to form the next government.
Raut revealed that MVA leaders, including himself, Anil Desai (Shiv Sena – UBT), Jayant Patil (NCP – Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress leaders Satej Patil and Balasaheb Thorat, met to review the election outcomes and finalize post-election strategies. The alliance plans to provide collective lodging for the MLAs since many of them lack residential arrangements in Mumbai.
Expressing confidence, Raut stated that the MVA expects to win 160 seats, with several independents also showing interest in supporting the bloc. He reiterated that the chief minister’s post would be decided jointly by all alliance partners after the results. This comes amid Congress state president Nana Patole’s claim that the CM will be from his party, which Raut countered by insisting the decision will be finalized in Mumbai with the participation of all MVA leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.
Raut raised concerns about potential interference from the BJP and the governor’s office, alleging that attempts could be made to obstruct the MVA’s government formation even if it secures a majority. He warned that any delay in finalizing the leadership could lead to the imposition of President’s rule in the state, as the assembly’s term ends on November 26.
The MVA is not alone in its internal wrangling over the chief minister’s post. Similar disputes have emerged within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction. Both alliances are navigating a political tug-of-war as Maharashtra awaits the results of its pivotal elections.
