The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Maharashtra): As the five-phase Lok Sabha elections approach in Maharashtra, political parties are grappling with the complexities of forging alliances and selecting suitable candidates. The high stakes and towering egos involved have made the process a challenging one for both the BJP-led alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Agency(New Delhi): The return of Bollywood actor Govinda to politics after a 14-year hiatus, joining the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), has added an element of intrigue to the situation. The North-West Mumbai constituency, where Govinda is likely to contest, is already in a pickle, with Uddhav Thackeray nominating Amol Kirtikar, the son of a Shinde camp supporter, Gajanan Kirtikar. The BJP is also reportedly keen on fielding its own candidate, possibly a prominent Congress leader facing pressure from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The ED’s role in the electoral landscape has been a topic of discussion, with the agency allegedly targeting opposition candidates. Rashmi Barve, a strong Congress candidate from Ramtek, had her caste certificate cancelled by the state government, while Amravati MP Navneet Rana, now a BJP candidate, completed her term despite her invalid caste certificate.
With 48 Lok Sabha seats at stake, both alliances are treading carefully to avoid missteps that could cost them victories. The BJP, in particular, recognizes that setbacks in Maharashtra could jeopardize its ambition of securing a third consecutive term at the Centre.
Within the BJP, there is discontent among old party workers over the nomination of “outsiders” and defectors, while allies in the Mahayuti are upset with the party’s attempts to dictate ticket distribution based on internal surveys. The clash of priorities between the BJP’s focus on the Lok Sabha and its allies’ concerns about the upcoming Assembly elections has further complicated matters.
Meanwhile, Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), continues to keep everyone guessing about his political allegiances. Despite joining the INDIA bloc’s rally and indicating his support, his unilateral announcement of candidates has caused confusion. While some see Ambedkar as a potential threat, others believe his relevance in state politics is waning.
The other Thackeray, Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Nirman Sena (MNS), is also a subject of speculation. After meetings with BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, the potential alliance between the MNS and BJP remains uncertain. Concerns about alienating North Indian voters in Mumbai due to Raj Thackeray’s past rhetoric against them have made both sides cautious.
As the festival of Gudi Padwa approaches, marking the traditional Marathi new year, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid. With alliances and candidate selections still in flux, the state is poised for a gripping electoral battle that could have far-reaching implications for the national political scenario.