Congress has published its second list of candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections-2024, naming 23 additional candidates and bringing the total to 71 so far. The latest list includes Girish Pandav for the Nagpur South constituency, a seat that has sparked some controversy between Congress and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction). The first list, released earlier, comprised 48 candidates, with several veteran leaders retaining their tickets.
Candidates Announced for Mumbai Seats
The second list also includes candidates for three key seats in Mumbai. Kalu Badheliya will represent Congress from Kandivali East, while Yashwant Jaiprakash Singh has been chosen for Charkop, and Ganesh Kumar Yadav will contest from Sion Koliwada. Congress hopes these candidates will have strong support in the Mumbai region, bolstered by the unified Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.
Girish Pandav Nominated for Nagpur South Amid Alliance Talks
Nagpur South has been a focal point in discussions between Congress and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) within the MVA alliance. Ultimately, Congress has decided to field Girish Pandav, a long-time party member, for the seat. He will face off against deputy CM and BJP candidate Devendra Fadnavis. His nomination has underscored Congress’s confidence in his capabilities and reinforced the coalition’s unity, signaling a collaborative spirit in tackling tough constituencies together.
Senior Leaders Retain Tickets in Key Constituencies
The first candidate list saw many senior Congress leaders retain their traditional seats. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has been nominated again for the Karad South seat, while Congress state president Nana Patole will continue to contest from Sakoli. These decisions indicate Congress’s strategic approach, entrusting seasoned leaders to lead their campaigns and reassert their influence in established constituencies.
Unified Front: MVA Alliance Stands Strong
Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), and NCP have committed to contesting the Maharashtra elections under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Congress General Secretary and Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala affirmed that all coalition partners are unified and prepared to contest the elections together. He emphasized that the MVA stands ready to challenge the incumbent Mahayuti government, which currently includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Congress is optimistic that a united front with the MVA will increase their chances of securing a victory.
The Mahayuti government, composed of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP, currently governs the state.