Maharashtra Elections: Rahul Gandhi Walks Out of CEC Meeting, Furious over Seat Allocation
Tensions have arisen in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly expressed discontent over giving certain seats in Mumbai and Vidarbha to Uddhav Thackeray’s faction. Sources say Gandhi walked out of the Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting in Delhi on Friday, upset over the seat-sharing proposal.
The meeting, which focused on candidate selection, saw Gandhi’s objections to specific seats being allocated to Shiv Sena (UBT) and to the candidate selection criteria proposed by senior leaders. Congress leaders have reportedly pushed for relatives and close associates for tickets in key regions, which also displeased Gandhi.
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole stated that the second list of candidates will be released today, with a third expected tomorrow. He assured that MVA would perform well, and a Congress-led coalition government will be formed.
Congress election in-charge for Maharashtra, Ramesh Chennithala, dismissed any internal conflicts within the MVA, asserting the alliance remains united, while challenges lie within the Mahayuti (BJP-led alliance).
The initial 85-85 seat-sharing formula is under review, with a new model proposing Congress contesting 102-104 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 90-95, and NCP 70-75. Maharashtra will hold its single-phase Assembly elections on November 20, with results on November 23.