Tug-of-War Over Pune Lok Sabha Seat: Congress and NCP Clash Within Maha Vikas Aghadi

Pune, 29th May 2023: Amidst the ongoing tussle between the Congress and the NCP within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, NCP President Sharad Pawar will make a decision on the Pune Lok Sabha seat in consultation with the three alliance parties. The objective is to determine the likelihood of victory, as explained by Pawar on Sunday.

Following Pawar’s statement, Ajit Pawar also took a moderate stance, stating that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will support the party with the majority in the upcoming by-election triggered by the unfortunate demise of Pune MP Girish Bapat.

Ajit Pawar’s announcement of the by-elections has sparked controversy, particularly regarding which party within the alliance should contest the vacant Pune seat. The NCP claims more strength in Pune and thus intends to field its candidate. However, local and senior Congress leaders have firmly asserted that the Pune seat belongs to the Congress.

Consequently, a tug-of-war has ensued between the two parties within the Maha Vikas Aghadi. In response to the situation, Sharad Pawar provided his insights on Sunday.

Pawar expressed confidence regarding the Pune seat and emphasized that senior leaders from all three alliance parties would discuss and make the appropriate decision. The eligibility and ability to secure victory in the constituency would be determining factors in the nomination of the candidate by the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Pawar further clarified that mere claims would not make a difference in the decision-making process.

Subsequently, Ajit Pawar took a cautious position following Sharad Pawar’s stance. He reiterated that the NCP holds more influence in Pune compared to Congress, highlighting the importance of considering the number of MLAs and the votes garnered by each party. If the chances of winning in a particular constituency are low and the allied party within the Maha Vikas Aghadi holds more strength there, then that seat should be given to the allied party, as Ajit Pawar suggested. The exchange of seats should also be considered. However, he emphasized that it is futile to make further remarks on the matter. The decision regarding the Pune seat will be made through discussions among the senior leaders of the three alliance parties within the Maha Vikas Aghadi.