Maharashtra Elections 2024: Multiple Mahayuti, MVA candidates file papers in same segments

Confusion reigned supreme after the closing of nominations for the Maharashtra Assembly polls to be held on November 20. Neither Mahayuti nor Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) officially declared the seat-sharing formula. Some constituencies were still unclear, and some had multiple candidates from alliance partners, indicating a possibility of friendly fights.

The complete picture of 288 Assembly seats may alter on November 4, the last day for opting out. Going by Tuesday's numbers that gave some clarity, the BJP proved to be a big brother in Mahayuti, bagging a share of 152 seats, including four for its smaller allies. The BJP also exported nearly 20 of its prospective leaders to be the allies' official candidates.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (centre) along with Dy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. File Pic/PTI

The Shiv Sena came second with 80 seats, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar) managed to have 52. The arithmetic didn't end there, because in some four constituencies, the picture was not clear, and in six segments, including Dharavi and Anushakti Nagar, there were multiple Mahayuti candidates. To meet the deadline on Tuesday in three segments of Nashik district where the ally NCP had already announced its nominees, Shinde Sena sent authority forms (called AB Forms) by helicopter. Shinde Sena and NCP have crossed each other in four, and BJP has two candidates against Ajit Pawar's party.

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT); Ramesh Chennithala, Congress

In the MVA, the Congress topped with 103 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) had 96 so far and wanted even more before the close. NCP-SP had 87 seats. Two constituencies were still unclear and in four places, including Dharavi and Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, the MVA partners had put their respective candidates against each other. Sena (UBT) has six official candidates against its major partners and smaller allies. Congress (4) and NCP-SP (2) also have candidates in seats being contested by their allies.

No friendlies: Chennithala

Regarding multiple candidates, both Congress and Sena (UBT) expressed concerns. Ramesh Chennithala, state in-charge and national general secretary, told a media conference that there would be no friendly fights. He said that the rebels have not been given the party's authority letters, but did not clarify on the candidates, such as Manikrao Thakare and other leaders, who filed their nominations as per the official announcements from New Delhi.

‘We will resolve issue'

Shiv Sena (UBT)'s chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said there was time to convince the candidates who had created a clash within the MVA. According to him, the Sena would have a meeting with Congress and NCP leaders to resolve the matter by November 4. Raut said the Sangli pattern (in which a Congress-supported independent had won against Sena (UBT)'s official nominee in Sangli) would not apply in these elections.