Mumbai: As the governing Mahayuti and the challenger Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) prepare for the pivotal state legislative elections, smaller groups are readying to disrupt the balance. At least a dozen factions, each with significant support within the state, have declared their intentions to run independently or to unite in forming a third alliance.
Raj Thackeray, the leader of the MNS, was the first to reveal his slate of candidates, including Bala Nandgaonkar from Shivadi, a well-established base of the Shiv Sena in Central Mumbai.
The third alliance, Parivartan Mahashakti, after its initial strategy session on Thursday, has set its sights on contesting in 150 seats and has pledged to oppose the incumbent chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis. The alliance has also sought the support of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil. This coalition is made up of groups led by former Rajya Sabha member Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, leader of the farmers’ movement Raju Shetti, and MLA Bachchu Kadu.
Bachchu Kadu poses a threat to the Mahayuti candidates in Amrawati and the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, Raju Shetti and Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati have a strong presence in Western Maharashtra, where they could undermine the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi’s standing.
The formation of this coalition started over two months prior. At first, leaders and advocates for agricultural matters, including Shetty, Bharat Rashtra Samiti’s Shankar Dhondge, and Wamanrao Chatap, gathered to talk about the potential for a partnership. Subsequently, Kadu and Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati entered the discussion. Shetty also had a meeting with Prakash Ambedkar, who is yet to become a part of the coalition.
Kadu, who had been associated with the saffron Mahayuti alliance recently, mentioned that he had cautioned the Shinde administration about abandoning the coalition if they did not meet his party’s requests. Bachchu Kadu held a protest in Sambhaji Nagar in August and presented 18 demands. “Our platform will concentrate on the welfare of farmers and agricultural workers, and we will address issues such as educational disparities, healthcare access, and industrial growth,” Bachchu Kadu said.
The future outcome is uncertain regarding whether Ambedkar or Jarange Patil will align with the new third front. Should they do so, Maharashtra might find itself in a situation where no single party secures a majority in the assembly. If more parties decide to be a part of this third front, it will negatively impact Mahayuti and MVA.
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