Seat-Sharing Talks Intensify for Pune Constituencies Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Elections
Seat-Sharing Talks Intensify for Pune Constituencies Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Elections
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners Congress, NCP (SCP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) are struggling to finalize candidates for three key Pune seats Hadapsar, Khadakwasla and Parvati as the seat-sharing talks reach a crucial stage.
The dispute centers on overlapping claims by NCP (SCP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) for Hadapsar and Khadakwasla, while Congress is eyeing Parvati, a constituency traditionally held by NCP (SCP).
Pune Seat Dispute:
Hadapsar: NCP (SCP)’s city chief Prashant Jagtap is vying for the seat, while Shiv Sena (UBT) considers it a key constituency along with Khadakwasla and Kothrud.
Khadakwasla: In 2019, NCP’s Sachin Dodke narrowly lost to BJP’s Bhimrao Tapkir, and Dodke is keen to contest the seat again.
Parvati: Congress, particularly senior politician Aba Bagul, is interested in the seat, which may require a seat swap with NCP (SCP).
The MVA has resolved the majority of seat-sharing issues across the state but remains divided on certain constituencies, including some in Mumbai. Discussions on these unresolved seats are ongoing, with an agreement expected by October 20.
BJP’s Pune Strategy:
In contrast, the BJP is likely to contest six seats in Pune Kasba Peth, Kothrud, Shivajinagar, Parvati, Pune Cantonment, and Khadakwasla while Ajit Pawar-led NCP is set to field candidates in Wadgaon Sheri and Hadapsar. Shiv Sena, under CM Eknath Shinde, is not expected to field candidates in Pune, though Nana Bhangire is reportedly interested in contesting from Hadapsar.
The MVA’s internal disagreements, coupled with BJP’s organized approach in Pune, are expected to shape the upcoming assembly elections significantly. The outcome of these seat-sharing negotiations will have a direct impact on the political landscape of Pune, a key battleground for both alliances.
