Congress-Uddhav Sena in tussle over 6 minority-dominated seats in Mumbai
What's the story
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is currently embroiled in a seat-sharing dispute for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, reports said.
Both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are vying for six minority-dominated constituencies in Mumbai.
The contested seats include Byculla, Kurla, Ghatkopar West, Versova, Jogeshwari East, and Mahim.
Seat demand
Congress eyes more seats after Lok Sabha success
The Congress is seeking a larger share of seats in Mumbai following its strong performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
The party secured 13 out of 30 seats won by the opposition's Indians National Developmental Inclusive Alliance in Maharashtra's Lok Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won nine and eight seats respectively.
Vote bank
Congress aims to regain traditional vote bank
The Congress is particularly interested in the minority-dominated seats in Mumbai as it hopes to reclaim its traditional vote bank, which has been gradually shifting toward Uddhav Sena.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) is staking claim on 20 out of 36 Assembly seats in Mumbai and its suburbs.
Meanwhile, the NCP (SP) has expressed interest in contesting seven seats.
Confidence expressed
MVA leaders express confidence amid seat-sharing dispute
Despite the ongoing seat-sharing dispute, MVA leaders remain confident about their alliance's prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections.
NCP (SP)'s Jitendra Awhad stated that the alliance would resolve this issue and contest the polls unitedly.
He further added, "There is no difference between Congress and Sena (UBT) and we are confident of coming to power in the upcoming Assembly polls."
Finalization ahead
MVA leaders to finalize seat-sharing formula
MVA leaders are set to continue marathon meetings over the next two days to finalize the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Once this is done, a first list of seats where consensus has been reached will be announced.
The discussion on five seats—Mulund, Vileparle, Borivali, Charkop and Malabar Hill—is yet to take place, reports added.