Maharashtra Elections 2023: Friendly Contest or Political Crossfire?

The upcoming Maharashtra elections on November 20 will feature friendly contests among Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies in 29 of the 288 assembly seats. While this may seem straightforward, complexities arise particularly for the MVA due to the involvement of smaller parties belonging to the INDIA bloc.

The November 20 Maharashtra elections are shaping up to be a battleground for major alliances. The Mahayuti, comprising BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress, will contest 29 out of 288 assembly seats against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Complicating matters for the MVA is the inclusion of smaller parties like the Peasants and Workers Party of India (PWPI) and the Samajwadi Party, both part of the INDIA bloc. Key face-offs are expected in seats like Nanded North, where Congress's Abdul Gaffoor is contending against Shiv Sena's Sangita Patil.

These friendly contests could potentially split votes, a concern voiced by leaders like Samajwadi Party's Abu Azmi, who criticized the MVA for not uniting. Despite internal challenges, parties remain adamant about fulfilling their electoral criteria in key constituencies across Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies.)