The Congress on Thursday softened its stand by deciding not to field a candidate in next month’s Maharashtra Legislative Council polls, extending its support to ally Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nominee Ambadas Danve, reported PTI.
Decision Follows Intense Internal Discussions
The decision came after hectic parleys between leaders of both parties, aimed at resolving differences within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Rift Emerged Over Lone Winnable Seat
The development comes a day after cracks within the MVA surfaced, with both Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress initially announcing candidates for the single seat the Opposition alliance is expected to win in the May 12 elections.
Congress Wanted Uddhav Thackeray to Contest
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the party believed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray should contest the polls, reported PTI.
However, after Shiv Sena (UBT) named Ambadas Danve, the Congress briefly considered entering the fray before reversing its stand.
Sena (UBT) Outreach Helps Break Deadlock
A delegation of Sena (UBT) leaders met Sapkal to pacify the Congress leadership.
“We will back Uddhav ji’s decision (of fielding Danve) and accept it as the MVA’s stand. In the coming days, we will fight against the BJP as MVA,” Sapkal said, reported PTI.
Alliance to Contest Future Polls Unitedly
Sapkal added that after detailed discussions, it was decided the Opposition alliance would face upcoming elections, including Maharashtra Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha polls, in a united manner, reported PTI.
Limited Seats, High Stakes for MVA
Nine members of the Upper House, including Uddhav Thackeray, are retiring on May 13. The MVA – comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and Congress – is in a position to win only one seat.
Polling for nine seats and a bypoll will be held on May 12, with nominations closing at 3 pm on Thursday.
Sanjay Raut Urges Congress to Support Regional Parties
Before Congress announced its decision, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut urged the party not to undermine regional allies.
He emphasised the need for a broader vision, stating that strengthening regional parties would help the Congress at the national level.
Sena (UBT) Reiterates Support for Congress Leadership
Raut said Shiv Sena (UBT) supports the idea of a Congress prime minister in the future and highlighted the party’s cooperation during the women’s reservation bill, reported PTI.
He also noted the Sena (UBT)’s cordial relations with senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal.
Uddhav Thackeray Chose Not to Contest
On why Uddhav Thackeray is not contesting, Raut said it was a personal decision.
“It is not bread and butter for Uddhav Thackeray. He was urged to become the CM, so he took up that post. He had already made up his mind that he did not want to contest the polls,” he said, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
