MVA Faces Internal Strains After Unopposed Mahayuti Wins

Mumbai: As the political drama surrounding the 2026 Maharashtra Legislative Council elections intensifies, internal differences within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have begun to surface publicly. The alliance's decision to withdraw from the Pune and Nashik Local Authorities Constituency elections has sparked speculation and debate in political circles. Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat took a veiled swipe at Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Supriya Sule over her remarks on the withdrawals. Without naming Ms. Sule, Mr. Thorat questioned the rationale behind avoiding electoral contests due to unfavourable numbers.

The discord comes two days after the BJP-led Mahayuti secured six Legislative Council seats unopposed following the withdrawal of opposition candidates. The NCP (SP) withdrew its candidates from the Thane and Pune Local Authorities Constituency elections, raising questions over the alliance's electoral strategy. The MVA, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the NCP (SP), has faced a series of setbacks since its defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In Thane, NCP (SP) candidate Abhijeet Pawar withdrew his nomination at the last minute against Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Pathak, who was backed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, paving the way for Mr. Pathak's unopposed election.

In Pune, the NCP (SP) had insisted on contesting the Legislative Council election despite the Congress staking claim to the seat. The party fielded Shrikant Patil against Mahayuti candidate Vikram Kakade. However, Mr. Patil withdrew his candidature at the eleventh hour, clearing the way for Mr. Kakade's unopposed election.

Ms. Sule claimed that the MVA took the collective decision after a detailed discussion to withdraw, as concerns were being raised about horse-trading in the election. Mr. Thorat, however, said there was considerable resentment within the alliance over the manner in which the nominations were withdrawn. He argued that the developments ran contrary to democratic principles and alleged that various illegal means had been employed to secure the withdrawals.

Taking a dig at the BJP, Mr. Thorat alleged that the party had resorted to intimidation tactics during the Legislative Council elections.

“The BJP has a style of acquiring power by hook or by crook. It has used every possible illegal means to win elections. I have experienced the same in Ahilyanagar district,” he said.