MVA seat-sharing talks to conclude in 10 days; we have to form govt at any cost: Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar asserts MVA's focus on winnability in upcoming Maharashtra State polls, emphasizing coalition adjustments and party workers' role.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday (September 29, 2024) said the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will conclude its seat-sharing talks in 8 to 10 days for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls and asserted the Opposition alliance has to strive to come to power in the State "at any cost".

Targeting those who left his party, Mr. Pawar claimed not even a handful of them will win the State polls.

“Elections to the 288-member State Assembly are likely to be held in mid-November,” the NCP (SP) chief said addressing his party workers in Pune’s Baramati town.

Winnability will be the only merit for the selection of candidates, the former Union Minister said, adding that in a coalition, adjustments and flexible approach are a must.

The MVA comprises the NCP (SP), Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).

"You can't contest all the seats and have to allow the other two partners to field candidates and you have to work for them as well. We have to get our own government at any cost," Mr. Pawar asserted.

“The three MVA allies will be seeking views of the party workers on the “original aspirant” for a particular seat,” he said.