MVA’s 85-85-85 Seat-Sharing Strategy: A United Front Against BJP in Maharashtra

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 26^th October. As Maharashtra prepares for its highly anticipated assembly elections, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance—comprising the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress—has made a decisive move by finalizing its seat-sharing formula. Each of the major parties in this coalition will contest at least 85 of the 288 assembly seats, marking a significant political strategy to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. Beyond the numbers, the seat-sharing arrangement reflects a deliberate attempt to present a united opposition capable of mounting a robust challenge against the incumbent government.

The 85-85-85 Formula: A Symbol of Unity and Strategy

The MVA’s 85-85-85 seat-sharing formula not only provides an equitable stake to each of its major constituents but also demonstrates their collective commitment to a unified campaign. It has not been an easy journey for the coalition, which has faced both internal ideological rifts and external pressure from its powerful political adversaries. This formula aims to satisfy each party’s needs while fostering cooperation, ensuring that no single party feels sidelined—a critical factor for the alliance’s cohesiveness. With a substantial seat allocation for each constituent, the alliance also has room to accommodate smaller allies like the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) and the Samajwadi Party, allowing for a broader coalition that could maximize its appeal to diverse voter demographics.

Challenges in Candidate Selection and Seat Allocation

While the MVA has established a promising seat-sharing framework, the process of finalizing candidates remains challenging. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has already announced 65 candidates, but adjustments are underway, as some seats were inadvertently assigned to multiple parties within the alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut acknowledged the need for “corrections,” a move that showcases the alliance’s willingness to negotiate and avoid internal clashes. Flexibility in candidate selection demonstrates the MVA’s pragmatism and its commitment to cohesion over narrow political gains—a crucial trait in multi-party coalitions.

This phase also demands that the MVA exercise delicate diplomacy, as competing claims for key seats could potentially strain relationships within the alliance. However, their capacity to navigate these complex dynamics will be essential in presenting a unified front in the final weeks leading up to the election.

Key Candidates and the Strategic Contest Against the BJP-Shinde Faction

One of the most compelling aspects of the MVA’s strategy lies in the choice of candidates for critical constituencies. In Thane, a region symbolic of Shiv Sena’s legacy, the MVA has strategically positioned Kedar Dighe, nephew of the late Anand Dighe, against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This choice is not merely about winning a seat; it’s a direct challenge to Shinde’s claim over the Shiv Sena’s heritage. The Dighe-Shinde rivalry taps into the legacy politics that resonate with local voters, making this race emblematic of the larger ideological contest within Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Similarly, in Mumbai’s Bandra East, the fielding of Varun Sardesai, cousin to Aaditya Thackeray, signifies the UBT Sena’s intent to hold ground in its traditional stronghold. This constituency sees Varun Sardesai facing off against the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the BJP, adding a layer of complexity and intensity. Here, the MVA’s choice reflects an attempt to fortify its influence amid stiff competition from Raj Thackeray’s MNS, a party with a similar ideological and cultural appeal to segments of the Shiv Sena’s voter base.

Managing Alliances with Smaller Partners

The MVA’s strategy also involves careful collaboration with smaller allies, such as the PWP and Samajwadi Party, whose local support can prove valuable in several constituencies. While these allies may not wield the same influence as the major coalition partners, their regional reach could be the deciding factor in closely contested seats. The MVA’s ability to effectively integrate these smaller players into its electoral strategy will reflect its political acumen and capacity for broad-based coalition-building.

The Stakes: A Test of the MVA’s Strength Against the BJP-Shinde Coalition

The BJP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction present a formidable challenge to the MVA. The ruling BJP, with its extensive grassroots reach and resources, has an edge in Maharashtra, while the Shinde faction claims the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, a critical emotional appeal to traditional Shiv Sena voters. For the MVA, the election serves as both a test of internal unity and a statement against the incumbent administration. The 85-85-85 seat-sharing formula represents a concerted effort to pool resources and build a broad-based front that can leverage its combined strength to secure a substantial portion of the assembly seats.

Conclusion

The MVA’s 85-85-85 seat-sharing formula is more than a tactical arrangement; it reflects a coalition learning to balance diverse interests to confront a common adversary effectively. By fielding prominent candidates in crucial constituencies and accommodating smaller allies, the MVA has established a solid foundation for a competitive campaign. Nevertheless, the alliance faces challenges, particularly in terms of candidate coordination and internal rivalries, but its flexibility in adapting to these issues underscores its resilience. In a polarized political climate, the MVA’s ability to uphold this unity will be decisive in determining the extent of its success.

The MVA’s approach marks an encouraging shift in Maharashtra politics, showing that alliances can prioritize collective strength over individual party ambitions. The seat-sharing formula is a thoughtful strategy that, if executed with discipline and unity, has the potential to disrupt the BJP-Shinde stronghold. In a state where ideological loyalties run deep, the MVA’s campaign presents a chance to reassert a more pluralistic, power-sharing model against the backdrop of increasingly centralized governance. If the alliance manages to balance its internal dynamics while conveying a clear message to the voters, the MVA could indeed reshape the political landscape in Maharashtra.