Maharashtra Assembly polls: Raut warns Congress about fielding candidate for Solapur South seat

Sanjay Raut warns Congress against fielding candidate in Solapur South, risking MVA unity in Maharashtra assembly elections.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday (October 28, 2024) warned Congress about fielding a candidate for the Solapur South assembly seat, for which his party has already announced a nominee.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Raut said such actions could provoke a similar response from their side and create "problems" for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Also Read | Maharashtra Assembly polls: CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar file nominations

"The Congress, in its new list, has announced its candidate [Dilip Mane] from the Solapur South constituency. This has happened when we have already fielded our candidate [Amar Patil] from the same seat. I consider it a typing mistake by the Congress. Such a mistake could happen from our side as well," he said.

"I have heard that local Congress leaders are eager to contest the Miraj assembly constituency, which is part of our seat-sharing formula. If this infection [of fielding candidates against allies] spreads across the state, it will create problems for the MVA," Mr. Raut said.

The Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) are part of the opposition MVA, which is challenging the ruling Mahayuti.

When asked about the Congress being keen on contesting more seats in Mumbai, Raut said, "The party is asking for one more seat in Mumbai. Traditionally, the Shiv Sena has been contesting more seats in Mumbai. The party is needed in Mumbai, the way Congress in Vidarbha region."