Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated, "There is no such thing as a delay by the Congress."
Mumbai, October 21, 2024: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut held a press conference on Monday ahead of the Maharashtra elections, scheduled for November 20.
Raut discussed the seat-sharing formula within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, stating that the matter would be resolved by the evening.
"There is no delay from Congress. The issue will be settled by this evening. Congress has its high command in Delhi, and their decisions are made there. BJP leaders and Shinde's faction leaders are also in Delhi. With the high command in Delhi, they will have to go there repeatedly. There's nothing we can do about it. I believe there will be no disagreements, and we will come to a decision together," he said.
Raut also commented on Maharashtra Congress leaders, emphasizing that while every party has the right to express its views, seat sharing requires compromises.
"In an alliance, everyone has the right to voice their role, but when it comes to seat sharing, sacrifices and stepping back are necessary. We've been in politics for years, and every party feels their workers should be given tickets," he added.
He further mentioned that the party's dynamics did not align well with the BJP.
"Congress is a national party, even larger than the BJP. What do we discuss with such a big party? Their high command is in Delhi, and discussions are taking place. All leaders in Maharashtra are our friends. BJP is an international party, and our tuning didn't work with them. What do we discuss with an international party? They have plenty of advisors. It's not right for Uddhav Thackeray or me to guide them. We focus on grassroots work and prioritize the interests of Maharashtra. For us, national interest is paramount."
On October 20, the BJP released its first list of 99 candidates for the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Maharashtra, with 288 Assembly seats, sees the BJP as part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
As election day approaches, both the Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress — have ramped up their preparations, including seat-sharing discussions.