The disagreement over seat allocation in Mumbai within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has intensified into an internal discord between the Mumbai and Maharashtra units of the Congress party.
While Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad refrained from directly criticizing any party leader, she acknowledged that negotiators should have been more forceful in representing Mumbai’s interests.
A delegation from the Mumbai Congress is expected to meet the party leadership in Delhi to request a possible exchange of seats with their ally Sena UBT. Gaikwad lamented the discrepancy, mentioning that while the party previously contested five seats in Mumbai with NCP on one seat, they had hoped for an equal distribution of three seats within the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Despite recent setbacks, Gaikwad emphasized the resilience of the party’s grassroots organization. She underscored the importance of prioritizing Mumbai’s interests in discussions on seat allocation, expressing agreement with the party’s decision while signaling their intention to convey the ground reality to the high command.
Gaikwad, who had expressed interest in contesting from the Mumbai South Central seat, allocated to Sena UBT, stated that while the decision had been made, they would welcome a seat exchange if it were to happen. She reaffirmed the party’s dedication to supporting MVA candidates wholeheartedly.
Sources close to Patole suggested that Gaikwad had participated in the seat allocation discussions and was aware of the deliberations.
Meanwhile, Sena UBT leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut assured cooperation, emphasizing that every candidate in the election represents the MVA, not just one party. He expressed confidence in resolving the issue through dialogue with Gaikwad.
