October 18,2023: In a bid to secure their positions ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Maharashtra’s political landscape witnesses the convergence of the Shinde group and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This alliance is taking shape after Ajit Pawar’s faction, backed by BJP and Shiv Sena, rose to power. In the midst of this shifting political climate, all three parties are fervently working to secure more seats for their respective groups in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
MP Rahul Shewale, representing the Shinde group, recently made a significant announcement. He proclaimed the Shinde group’s aspiration to contest 22 seats in Maharashtra during the Lok Sabha elections. In response to this declaration, Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has voiced his perspective, suggesting that such announcements are unnecessary. Mungantiwar expressed that if Shewale wishes to compete for 22 seats, he should bring forth his proposal during the upcoming all-party meeting of the three allied parties.
Mungantiwar emphasized that seat allocation should be determined based on various factors, including the presence of party workers in a given region, local surveys, and party strength. He underscored that political alliances are not merely numerical arrangements but are formed through mutual cooperation, understanding, and the evaluation of each constituency’s unique dynamics. Mungantiwar concluded, “They can freely convey their desires, and we have a clear and thoughtful approach.”
Furthermore, Mungantiwar encouraged unity among the parties, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to elevate the nation’s stature globally. He emphasized the essence of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in shaping India’s pride on the global stage. Mungantiwar’s vision includes bringing happiness to the lives of the impoverished in the country by eradicating the darkness of poverty.
Mungantiwar also addressed the need for civility in political discourse. He urged political leaders to engage in criticism that is measured, restrained, and rational. He pointed out that in recent years, some individuals in politics have stooped to a lower level in their comments about leaders such as Chandrakant Patil and Devendra Fadnavis, and deemed such behavior as unfortunate. The call for responsible and respectful political discourse resonates in the evolving political landscape of Maharashtra.
