On Monday, the Congress held an important meeting to discuss its strategy for the Maharashtra elections. They reviewed critical issues like seat-sharing with their partners in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and their election promises, aiming to avoid the mistakes made in Haryana. The meeting was chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Delhi. Notable leaders in attendance included former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra assembly Vijay Wadettiwar, and senior leader Balasaheb Thorat.
Congress Prepares for Maharashtra Eyes at Least 110 Seats in Maharashtra
After a tough loss in the Haryana elections, the Congress party is now focusing on the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. A key party insider mentioned that Congress is eager to contest a minimum of 110 seats despite its ally, Shiv Sena (UBT), showing interest in fielding candidates in areas traditionally dominated by Congress.
Allies and the Maratha Quota Agitation: Key Concerns
One of the party leaders present highlighted that Congress is under pressure from its MVA allies – Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP – Sharad Pawar faction) – regarding seat distribution. Another issue looming enormous is the potential impact of the ongoing Maratha quota agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil. Patil has been demanding that Marathas be included in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category to secure reservations.
Seat Sharing Negotiations: A Delicate Balance
Another senior Congress functionary noted that the party is firm about contesting at least 110 seats. However, this is creating friction with Sena (UBT), which is keen on fielding candidates in some Congress strongholds, especially in Muslim-dominated areas, such as Central Mumbai. Congress, on the other hand, wants to retain control over these seats.
Lessons from Haryana and Strategic Adjustments
In Haryana, Congress’s campaign, which centred around seven central guarantees, fell flat and did not resonate with voters as expected. The party is determined not to repeat this in Maharashtra. The Congress leaders have been instructed to ensure a more comprehensive and collaborative campaign with their MVA partners, aiming to reach as many voters as possible with a unified message. This is seen as a key to boosting their chances in the state.
Poll Performance in Haryana: A Wake-up Call
The Congress had been widely expected to perform well in Haryana, with many analysts predicting a strong showing. However, they won only 37 seats in the 90-member assembly, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 48 seats, achieving a historic third-term victory. This outcome has prompted Congress to reassess its strategies for the Maharashtra elections.
Concerns Over EVMs and Election Integrity
As they prepare for the Maharashtra elections, Congress is taking extra precautions regarding electronic voting machines (EVMs). The party has instructed its candidates and polling agents to closely monitor for any irregularities during the voting process. This comes after allegations of discrepancies in EVMs during the Haryana elections, which Congress claimed could have affected the outcome. They have called for a thorough investigation into these concerns.
Patole’s Post-Meeting Statements
After the meeting, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole addressed the media. He reiterated that the alliance with MVA remains strong and that the coalition will contest all 288 seats in the upcoming elections. He expressed confidence that the Congress-led MVA would successfully counter the BJP’s tactics and form the next government in Maharashtra. Patole emphasized, “There is no issue with seat sharing. We will fight together on all fronts.”
Upcoming Maharashtra Elections: Stakes Are High
The elections for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are expected to take place next month, as the current assembly’s term expires on November 26. In the 2019 elections, the undivided Shiv Sena won 56 seats, Congress secured 44, and the undivided NCP claimed 54 seats. This time, with the MVA alliance solidified, the Congress is hopeful for a more robust performance.
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