Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the formation of dedicated committees within the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee to spearhead negotiations with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners.
This decision, announced by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), is aimed at strengthening the party’s strategy ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.
The newly constituted committees will play a crucial role in discussions and coordination with MVA allies. The Maharashtra PCC team will include prominent leaders such as Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat, Vijay Wadettiwar, Prithviraj Chavan, Dr. Nitin Raut, Arif Naseem Khan, and Satej Patil. From the Mumbai RCC, Varsha Gaikwad, Ashok Jagtap, and Aslam Shaikh have been appointed to represent the party.
Earlier statements by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal reflected optimism about the coalition's prospects. Venugopal emphasised the party’s commitment to overcoming what he described as a "corrupt government" currently in power in Maharashtra. He expressed confidence that the MVA will form the next government, leveraging a significantly changed political landscape.
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, with its 288 seats, is set for elections later this year. While the exact dates are yet to be announced by the Election Commission of India, preparations are in full swing.
According to sources within the Congress, the party plans to contest between 120 and 130 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to vie for 90 to 100 seats, and the NCP-SP coalition is likely to target 75 to 80 seats.
In the recent parliamentary elections, Congress emerged as the largest party in Maharashtra, securing 13 Lok Sabha seats. Alongside Shiv Sena UBT’s 9 and NCP (Pawar)’s 8 MPs, the MVA secured a total of 30 seats out of the 48 constituencies in the state. This strong performance sets a promising precedent for the upcoming assembly elections, where the coalition aims to consolidate its position further.
With these strategic committees in place, Congress is preparing to address the complex dynamics of coalition politics and enhance its negotiation leverage within the MVA. The focus will be on ensuring a unified front and effective seat-sharing arrangements as the state heads toward a crucial electoral battle.
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