As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has intensified its preparations by releasing a second list of candidates. On October 24, the faction announced 15 additional candidates, bringing the total to 80 after the initial list of 65 names was disclosed on October 23. Facing its first major election since the rebellion last year, this election poses a critical test for the Uddhav faction of Shiv Sena, which is aiming to secure a strong foothold in the Maharashtra Assembly.
Sanjay Raut's Declaration: Aiming for 100 Seats
Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader in the Uddhav faction, announced the intention to field candidates on 100 seats. This announcement came on October 24, following discussions on seat-sharing within the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Despite Raut’s ambitious claim, the formal arrangement within the MVA allocates 85 seats each to the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and the Congress. Given this, the Uddhav faction’s aspirations for 100 seats indicate a strategic maneuver to strengthen its stance within the alliance and potentially negotiate more seats.
Controversy Surrounding Dahisar Assembly Seat
The Dahisar Assembly seat in Mumbai has emerged as a point of contention within the Uddhav faction’s camp. While the faction has retained this constituency, uncertainty surrounds its candidate selection. Uddhav Thackeray reportedly supports Tejasvee Ghosalkar, the wife of former councilor Abhishek Ghosalkar, for the ticket. However, Vinod Ghosalkar, the late Abhishek's father and a former MLA, is also lobbying for the same seat. The situation is further complicated by the tragic murder of Abhishek Ghosalkar during a Facebook Live session, which has added a layer of sensitivity to the Dahisar seat, drawing public and media attention.
Key Figures in the Initial Candidate List
The first list of 65 candidates released on October 23 includes several individuals closely associated with Uddhav Thackeray. Among these, his son, Aditya Thackeray, has been nominated for the Worli constituency, reflecting the faction’s intent to project strong, familiar leadership. Additionally, Kedar Dighe will represent the faction in Kopri Pachpakhadi, where he will face Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This initial list signals the Uddhav faction's approach to strategically position prominent figures to counter the influence of the ruling coalition.
Election Dynamics: Uddhav Faction vs. Mahayuti Government
In this election, the Uddhav faction is aligning with the MVA to challenge the ruling Mahayuti government, an alliance of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), BJP, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Observers speculate that the MVA alliance, encompassing the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena, Congress, and Sharad Pawar-led NCP, may garner substantial public support, given the shifts in political allegiances since the last election.
Comparing the 2019 and 2024 Election Equations
The 2019 Maharashtra Assembly election saw a BJP-Shiv Sena alliance that won a combined total of 161 seats, with BJP securing 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56. However, the 2024 elections are set against a backdrop of multiple alliances, creating a six-party race that includes not only the MVA and Mahayuti alliances but also other influential players. This crowded field could lead to significant vote fragmentation, which could ultimately influence the formation of a government.
This year's election, set for November 20, will conclude with results on November 23. With every party rallying its resources, the Maharashtra Assembly election of 2024 promises a complex and highly competitive political battle.
(PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY)