On Saturday, Congress levelled serious accusations, claiming that two of its MLAs were approached with offers of “crores of rupees” to defect to the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This alleged attempt at inducement has raised questions about political manoeuvring in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Ramesh Chennithala, Congress’s Maharashtra in-charge, voiced strong concerns, asserting, “These reports suggest a breach under the anti-defection law. It is alarming that the Chief Minister, who also handles the home department, has remained silent on this issue. The CM must provide transparency and inform the public about these developments,” according to PTI.
Chennithala further condemned the alleged bribery as “criminal activity” and pressed for accountability, stating that attempts to sway elected representatives undermined democratic integrity. As of now, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction has yet to respond to these claims.
These developments came after Congress released its second candidate list, featuring 23 names, with notable figures making a return. Vasant Purke, who lost in 2019, is set to contest from Ralegaon (Yavatmal) once more, while Shivajirao Moghe has passed the torch to his son Jitendra, who will run from the Arni constituency (Yavatmal). Congress had already announced its initial list of 48 candidates earlier in the week, with senior leaders like Maharashtra PCC Chief Nana Patole fielded in Sakoli, former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in Karad South, and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar from Brahmapuri.

MVA Seat Sharing Agreement and Political Landscape
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, confirmed that each party would contest 85 seats in the upcoming Maharashtra elections. This alliance aims to consolidate the opposition forces against the ruling coalition.
Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti alliance consists of the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’sPawar’s NCP faction, positioning itself as a formidable force in the state. This political realignment follows a significant shift when Ajit Pawar joined hands with the BJP and the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, splitting from his uncle Sharad Pawar’s NCP.

Election Schedule and Context
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are slated for November 20, with the counting of votes across all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. The state’s political climate remains highly charged, as this election could reshape alliances and power dynamics significantly. In the previous 2019 election, BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress obtained 44. In 2014, BJP had a stronger showing with 122 seats, Shiv Sena won 63, and Congress took 42.
As campaigning intensifies, the Congress allegations add to an already volatile political landscape, with both alliances aiming to consolidate their power. The MVA coalition is betting on combined strength, while the Mahayuti alliance seeks to retain its influence. The outcome could redefine Maharashtra’sMaharashtra’s political framework, testing alliances and impacting key policy directions in the state.