Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole has dismissed any significant influence of Sanjay Raut over Uddhav Thackeray, insisting that the Congress and NCP have their own leadership structures. Meanwhile, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule claims that Thackeray is being sidelined within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, alleging a strategy by Sharad Pawar. Despite internal discussions around seat-sharing, MVA leaders assert they will contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections unitedly to oust the BJP from power. Sanjay Raut has indicated ongoing talks with Rahul Gandhi regarding seat-sharing, emphasizing the need for swift decisions. The Vidarbha region is anticipated to play a crucial role in the upcoming elections, with both BJP and MVA vying for dominance amid changing political dynamics. As the elections approach, key figures from the MVA, including Anil Parab, confidently predict that Thackeray will become the chief minister again.