As nominations for Maharashtra’s assembly elections closed, both major alliances—the Mahayuti (BJP-led) and the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi)—face challenges from within as over 150 rebels filed their nominations independently. The Mahayuti has identified 80 rebels, while the MVA, comprising Congress, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, counted 286 candidates filing papers. Mahayuti’s count stood at 284 with some discrepancies, such as multiple candidates declared in five constituencies and none in two others.
Notable rebels include BJP’s Gopal Shetty from Borivli and Sameer Bhujbal, nephew of NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, contesting independently in Nashik against an official Shiv Sena candidate. Leaders from both alliances are concerned about the impact of these rebels on election outcomes, with November 4 being the last day for candidates to withdraw nominations.
Both alliances had complex seat-sharing negotiations. The MVA, initially proposing Congress would contest 103 seats, UBT Sena 90, and NCP 85, faced ongoing adjustments due to disputes, eventually opting to decide seats based on “winnability.” Mahayuti, on the other hand, kept its formula private but emphasized selecting candidates on merit and local appeal.
Key leaders remain optimistic: Sunil Tatkare, state NCP president, stated that Mahayuti’s decisions considered all political factors and winnability, while BJP’s Ashish Shelar emphasized Mahayuti’s ability to retain power. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala expressed confidence that voters would reject the “corrupt” Shinde-led Mahayuti government.
