Deadlock in Maha Vikas Aghadi in Pune over four seats

Pune: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has not been able to reach a consensus over four seats in the city. A tug of war was underway between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP). These four seats are Hadapsar, Khadakwasla, Parvati and Vadgaon Sheri.

The MVA constituents are likely to complete seat-sharing in a couple of days. However, there is still disagreement over some seats in the city. Out of the eight seats in the city, the MVA has finalised four – Kasba Peth, Kothrud, Shivajinagar and Cantonment. Sitting Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar’s name has been finalised. Since the Congress gave a neck-in-fight in Shivajinagar and Cantonment in the last election, these seats will go to the party. Kothrud will surely be given to the Shiv Sena (UBT), which has also staked its claim on Hadapsar and Vadgaon Sheri. The NCP (SP) is not ready to accept it.

The Congress has demanded the Parvati seat too. The NCP (SP) is ready to give up its claim on Parvati if the Shiv Sena (UBT) accepts Parvati instead of Hadapsar. Hence, Parvati has become a bone of contention.

Though the Congress is not interested in contesting from Vadgaon Sheri, the Shiv Sena either wants Vadgaon Sheri or Khadakwasla. Therefore, there is a deadlock over the four segments. BJP leader Bala Bhegade is likely to contest as an independent if denied the party ticket or join the NCP (SP), it is said.

Bhegade said, “I did not demand any party post or corporation’s chairmanship from the party. I have demanded only the candidature and I am insisting on it.”