‘Goa pattern’ for Maharashtra local body polls?

Nagpur: The Goa pattern, where two of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents Shiv Sena and NCP have entered in pre poll-alliance while Congress has decided to go solo, is very likely to be replicated in the local body polls for Maharashtra. While both Sena and NCP are eager for an alliance, Congress seems fixated on going alone.
Shiv Sena spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told TOI that pre-poll alliance between the three is necessary.“If we contest together than it will be beneficial to all. Each one fights to their strengths and adjusts for seats accordingly,” said Raut.
Known as the architect of MVA, Raut is one of the few leaders in the country who has direct and unrestricted access to both Sharad Pawar and Rahul Gandhi. His proximity to both gives Raut a vantage point when discussing poll alliances.
Raut said, “In Goa we talked to Congress but it did not agree, so we are going ahead with NCP.”
But for local body polls here in Maharashtra, Raut is confident of an arrangement being worked out. “I believe that a coalition will happen, 100% it will happen,” said Raut.
“As I said the key is how much people agree to adjust in the alliance. For example in Nagpur, Sena will play junior partner role. Similarly, others have to do the same (elsewhere),” said Raut.
State cabinet minister and NCP leader Jitendra Awhad agreed, saying that MVA has a better chance of making an impact. “An alliance puts MVA on a strong footing. Parties too are aware in which area they wield influence, so the strongest candidate becomes the face,” said Awhad who is representing NCP for Goa’s seat sharing plans with Sena.
But local politicians, who have more chances of getting a ticket if all parties go solo, may weigh in on party leadership. Raut said, “Of course, pressure is there from local leaders, but in the end we need a broader perspective.” Awhad said, “It is our job to convince the local leadership about the larger interest.”
Local Sena and NCP leaders too seem to be on the same page. Dushyant Chaturvedi, Sena’s samparkh pramukh, said, “The party’s decision will be final and obviously the benefits of entering into an alliance are well known. But as part of my duty, I have to be prepared for every eventuality.”
NCP’s city chief Dhuneshwar Pethe said, “MVA came together to stop BJP and the same will happen in the local body polls too. In case of alliance we will explain to our party workers to think of the bigger picture.”
Going by both Raut and Awhad’s statements, the NCP-Shiv Sena tie up is a certainty and all that Congress needs to do is say “yes”. Congress, however, is not in the mood to commit. Senior Congress leader and cabinet minister Balasaheb Thorat said, “Even though we all three are part of MVA, we all have a right to expand our party. In the recently held nagar panchayat polls, going solo helped us create a member base and new leaders emerged. We will now analyze this and take decision later.”
Congress’ state unit chief Nana Patole has always said that the party intends to fight solo.