Maharashtra Congress President Highlights Internal Strife in Mahayuti Alliance

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole pointed out internal discord within the Mahayuti alliance, a sentiment echoed by Devendra Fadnavis. The Supreme Court is to rule soon on MLAs' defections, while the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections loom large. The Maha Vikas Aghadi gains momentum ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Sunday highlighted internal strife within the Mahayuti alliance, a sentiment concurred by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Patole stated, "We had initially claimed that there is a Mahabharata in Mahayuti, and now even Fadnavis has acknowledged it."

Discussing the legal challenges involving defections of Shiv Sena and NCP MLAs, Patole commented, "The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on these cases next month. We hope this hidden Mahabharata will then become apparent." Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for later this year, although the Election Commission of India has not yet announced dates.

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance has made strides, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) winning seven seats, the Congress 13, and the NCP-SP one, bringing their total to 17. In contrast, BJP holds 105 seats in the 288-member House. The combined Shiv Sena previously had 56, and NCP had 54. Post-split, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has 37 MLAs, while Ajit Pawar's NCP faction has 39. The upcoming Maharashtra election pits Maha Vikas Aghadi against the Mahayuti Alliance, featuring BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).

(With inputs from agencies.)