The opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) issued a stern one-hour ultimatum to its rebel candidates, demanding they withdraw their nominations by 3 pm or face disciplinary action. This warning comes as the MVA seeks to avoid internal competition and maintain a united front in the upcoming Maharashtra elections.

Uddhav Thackeray’s Warning to Rebels

At a joint press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, alongside NCP leader Sharad Pawar, emphasized that candidates who failed to withdraw by the deadline would face consequences. Thackeray mentioned that many rebels had already agreed to withdraw, adding, “Once the deadline is over, we will know who has withdrawn, and action will follow for those who haven’t.”

MVA’s Efforts for Unity and Final Manifesto Preparations

With the MVA’s manifesto launch set for November 6 at a large rally, coalition leaders are working hard to ensure cohesion. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated that both Thackeray and Pawar personally reached out to rebel candidates, urging them to withdraw. Raut explained that the MVA believes in unity and does not support running candidates against one another.

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Seat Allocation Among MVA Parties

In terms of seat distribution, the Congress leads with 101 seats, followed by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) with 96, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) with 87 seats. Smaller parties like the Samajwadi Party, Peasants and Workers Party (PWP), and Left parties have been assigned seats from the larger parties’ share. Thackeray also confirmed that his party withdrew candidates from Alibaug, Pen, and Panvel in support of the PWP but will still contest the Uran seat.

Ruling Mahayuti Alliance Faces Similar Challenges

The ruling Mahayuti alliance is also contending with rebel candidates. Around 35 Mahayuti members initially filed as independents after being denied party tickets. However, several of these candidates have since withdrawn their nominations, including BJP veteran Gopal Shetty, who filed as an independent in Borivali after not receiving a ticket.

Both alliances are working to resolve internal dissent as the nomination withdrawal deadline approaches, aiming to solidify their positions ahead of a critical election season.

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