MVA Gives Rebels Ultimatum in Maharashtra Polls

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has given rebels a one-hour ultimatum to withdraw from the election.
2. Uddhav Thackeray warned of action against candidates who do not comply.
3. MVA aims to present a united front and release its manifesto on November 6.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The political scenario in Maharashtra has intensified as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress, issued an ultimatum to rebel candidates to withdraw nominations within an hour. Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), stated that those who do not withdraw their nominations by 3 pm will face strict action from the party. This statement was made during a joint press conference with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

“We have urged several rebel leaders to withdraw. Many have agreed. The situation will be clearer after the deadline ends. Those who do not comply will face party action,” said Thackeray.

According to the Election Commission, November 4 is the last date for nomination withdrawal. The MVA, set to launch its election manifesto during a mega rally on November 6, wants to showcase unity. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut mentioned that Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar personally reached out to several rebels, urging them to pull out from the race. “MVA does not want members contesting against each other,” Raut added.

In this alliance, Congress has emerged as the largest party with 101 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) has 96 seats, followed by Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) with 87 seats. Smaller parties like the Samajwadi Party and left-leaning groups received allocations from their respective shares. Uddhav Thackeray noted that Shiv Sena (UBT) withdrew candidates from Alibaug, Pen, and Panvel to accommodate PWP. However, the party will contest from the Uran seat.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance has also faced a wave of rebel candidates, with around 35 candidates turning independent. Many have since withdrawn their nominations, including BJP veteran Gopal Shetty, who filed as an independent from Borivali after being denied a ticket.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio