Samajwadi Party Seeks Seats in Maharashtra Alliance

The Samajwadi Party (SP) is pushing for 12 seats within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra as the coalition grapples with seat-sharing for the upcoming assembly elections on November 20. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav announced the party's readiness with five candidates declared, emphasizing their stronghold in specific constituencies. Concurrently, tensions within the MVA are surfacing, with Congress state president Nana Patole dismissing concerns raised by Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut. Currently, the MVA has reached a consensus on 200 out of 288 seats, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) expected to secure 20 seats and Congress 12. As negotiations continue, SP's dissatisfaction with the discussions has been noted, but MVA leaders remain open to further talks to finalize seat allocations. The political landscape is particularly charged following the recent split of the Shiv Sena and NCP, making this the first assembly election under these new dynamics.