Mumbai, 18 Oct: The political landscape of Maharashtra is witnessing rising tensions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, particularly between the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and Congress President Nana Patole. Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader from the Thackeray camp, has made it clear that the coalition meetings will not proceed if Patole is present.
In an official statement, Raut emphasized, “If Nana Patole is present, there will be no meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi going forward.” This declaration follows a heated exchange during a press conference, where Patole abruptly left after being questioned about Raut’s criticisms. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar intervened to stop him, allowing the press conference to continue. (Mumbai News)
Raut further expressed concerns over the Congress party’s decision-making capabilities at the state level, stating that they often need to escalate matters to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He underscored the urgency for resolving seat-sharing arrangements, posing a critical question about how the coalition plans to navigate these disputes.
This isn’t the first instance of conflict between Raut and Patole, as previous accusations have flown back and forth. However, this marks the first time the Thackeray faction has officially declared a stance against Patole. (Maharashtra Election News)
With the clock ticking towards the Maharashtra elections, Raut expressed skepticism about Congress’s ability to make timely decisions. He criticized the party for needing to send lists to Delhi repeatedly for discussions, suggesting that the opportunity for effective negotiations is slipping away.
Raut noted a collaborative spirit with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and expressed hope for a swift resolution regarding seat allocations, highlighting that while minor differences exist, they are not insurmountable.
In this politically charged atmosphere, the leadership roles are clearly defined: Sanjay Raut represents Uddhav Thackeray’s interests, while the NCP’s Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad operate under Sharad Pawar’s guidance. Meanwhile, the Congress’s M. Mallikarjun Kharge oversees the party’s directions. Ultimately, decisions will be made at the highest levels of each party, with Raut’s remarks raising questions about intra-coalition dynamics and their implications for the upcoming elections.
