Confident Congress Predicts MVA's Victory in Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal expressed confidence in MVA forming the government in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. He emphasized Congress's unity and reiterated the coalition's commitment to oust the current 'corrupt' government. Discussions on the election strategy and seat-sharing continue to progress.

Congress General Secretary (Organization) KC Venugopal has projected confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition's ability to form the government in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Venugopal stated that Congress will vigorously work to remove the existing 'corrupt government' in the state. The 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections are expected to be held later this year, as the current assembly's tenure ends in 2024. However, the Election Commission of India has yet to announce the dates.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole and Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, Venugopal emphasized the party's unity and collective voice. 'Today's meeting focused on election preparations and we discussed measures to strengthen Congress. We are united and resolute in our goal to remove this corrupt government from Maharashtra,' Venugopal said in Mumbai.

'We will form the next government under the banner of MVA, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Chandra Pawar). Each party has its own ideas and structure, but we will jointly contest the elections,' he added. Venugopal noted that the 'atmosphere in India' has shifted, expressing confidence in Maharashtra's support for MVA in the polls.

Venugopal also stressed their commitment to defeating the incumbent government, suggesting a well-crafted campaign narrative. 'Following the parliamentary elections, there is a clear message in the country. MVA will plan an effective campaign, and Maharashtra will side with us,' he said. On the topic of seat-sharing, Venugopal mentioned ongoing discussions within the alliance, indicating that a formal agreement would be reached soon.

The Congress Core Committee meeting at Garware Club in Mumbai was attended by key state leaders, including Balasaheb Thorat, Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of Opposition Prithviraj Chavan, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Mukul Wasnik, and Avinash Pandey. Discussions on seat-sharing within the MVA for the assembly elections were previously held on July 11.

According to Congress sources, the party is likely to contest 120-130 assembly seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 90-100 seats, and NCP-SP 75-80 seats. In recent parliamentary elections, Congress emerged as the largest party in the state, winning 13 Lok Sabha seats. Along with Shiv Sena UBT's 9 and NCP (Pawar)'s 8, MVA secured 30 of the 48 constituencies in Maharashtra. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)