‘First right’ vs ‘national party’: MVA's lone winnable Rajya Sabha seat sees Congress, Sena UBT tussle

In a strategic meeting held in Mumbai, senior leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP, deliberated on the allocation of seats for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The alliance is particularly focused on securing the lone winnable seat available to them, amidst internal tensions regarding the distribution of nominations. The Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been at odds over who should claim the 'first right' to the seat, each party emphasizing its significance in the context of strengthening their political stance in the state. The discussions highlight the broader challenges faced by the MVA in maintaining cohesion while competing against formidable national parties, particularly given the political landscape in Maharashtra, where alliances have historically shifted. As the elections approach, the MVA’s ability to unify its factions and present a consolidated front will be crucial in determining their success in the Rajya Sabha, a key arena for influencing legislative decisions at the national level.