Pune: As preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections gain momentum, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is still grappling with the complexities of seat-sharing among its coalition partners.
Pune’s Parvati Assembly constituency has emerged as a hotspot of contention, with both the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) staking claims.
The Parvati constituency, which has been held by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Madhuri Misal for three consecutive terms, could see a tough battle in the upcoming elections.
The MVA faces the challenge of deciding between the NCP’s Ashwini Kadam, who contested in the last Assembly election, and Congress leader Aba Bagul, a veteran in Pune’s political circles.
In the previous election, Ashwini Kadam contested from Parvati, gaining significant experience in navigating the constituency’s political landscape. This, coupled with her established rapport with the electorate, particularly in the slum areas, positions her as a strong contender for the NCP ticket this time.
Her candidacy is also bolstered by her personal image and the groundwork she has laid over the years.
Although Parvati is not traditionally a Congress stronghold, the MVA’s collective success in the last Lok Sabha elections across the region has given its leaders renewed confidence.
Many believe that the alliance can replicate this victory in the Assembly elections, heightening the competition for seats like Parvati. As a result, both the Congress and NCP are actively vying for control of this constituency.
However, sources within the MVA suggest that the NCP is likely to retain the Parvati seat, with Ashwini Kadam being the frontrunner for the party’s ticket. Recently, Kadam met with NCP chief Sharad Pawar, reportedly reaffirming her desire to contest the upcoming election.
During the meeting, Pawar is said to have encouraged Kadam with a message to "contest and win," further fueling speculations that her candidacy is all but confirmed.
