Nagpur: In the run-up to Maharashtra's assembly elections, tensions are flaring within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as Vishal Barbate, the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Ramtek, openly criticised local Congress leaders for allegedly supporting a rebel candidate, Rajendra Mulak, rather than rallying behind the official MVA choice. The candidate expressed frustration with what he views as a troubling lack of unity within the MVA alliance, especially in Vidarbha, where coordination was expected to be strong.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Barbate voiced disappointment, stating he initially hoped Congress leaders would respect the alliance's strategy to consolidate the MVA's influence in Ramtek. "We never imagined leaders would abandon the alliance and appear at rallies for a rebel candidate. This is a breach of trust," Barbate said.
Barbate said Sena (UBT) was allotted just one seat (Ramtek) in East Vidarbha's 32 constituencies. Despite this, some Congress leaders appear to support rivals within the alliance rather than strengthening MVA's collective efforts. Jadhav expressed disappointment that senior Congress leaders like Nana Patole and AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik have not intervened to resolve the issue, despite appeals from Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP leaders, including Sharad Pawar.
Barbate labelled the internal rifts a "conspiracy" that threatens MVA's future. He alleged Congress' approach in rural Vidarbha seems more aligned with personal loyalties than alliance commitments, allowing some senior leaders to field candidates outside of the MVA's agreed structure. "Such politics are dangerous for the MVA's vision. We are witnessing a politics of convenience that fractures our shared goals," he remarked. According to him, this approach could lead to broader electoral consequences, jeopardising the MVA's strength in the region.
Barbate said he raised these concerns with Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, who reassured him of the alliance's commitment to unity. However, the issue persists. "Our tradition in the MVA has always been mutual respect and cooperation, but some Congress leaders' support for rebels goes against that," Barbate stated, emphasising that unity within the MVA is crucial not only for Ramtek but for the entire Vidarbha region.
Urging Congress to publicly back the official MVA candidate, Barbate reiterated his role as Shiv Sena (UBT)'s legitimate choice for Ramtek. "I am here as the MVA candidate, and I urge our Congress allies to show that we are united in our vision for Vidarbha and Maharashtra," he said, calling for an immediate end to internal divisions.
Barbate described his candidacy as a "small worker" fighting established political figures with powerful surnames, indirectly referring to senior Congress leader Sunil Kedar, who lobbied for Mulak's nomination and met Thackeray for a possible seat exchange last month. "We are grassroots workers competing against a political machine, and this lack of unity is a betrayal of the MVA's spirit," he observed, highlighting the challenges he faces in consolidating local support amidst these dynamics.
According to Barbate, the "Sangli pattern" of rebellion in the grand old party has led to favouritism and factionalism. The establishment of a screening committee, bypassing loyal MVA workers, has further fuelled discontent. He criticised this approach, stating that the pattern has sidelined strong MVA candidates who represent local interests, weakening the alliance's foundation.