In a significant political development, the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has decided to contest the upcoming Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections as a united front. The decision was announced by Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar on Friday following a crucial meeting of senior coalition leaders in the city.
High-Level Meeting Sets the Stage
A strategic gathering was held in Kolhapur, attended by key figures from the alliance's constituent parties. The meeting saw the presence of Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, MLAs Rajesh Kshirsagar and Amal Mahadik, along with former KMC corporator Jayant Patil. The central agenda was to formalize a cohesive strategy for the crucial urban local body polls.
After detailed deliberations, the leaders arrived at a unanimous resolution. A sub-committee comprising representatives from all three alliance partners—Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP—will be formed to oversee the candidate selection and seat-sharing process. This move is aimed at presenting a consolidated challenge to the opposition and avoiding internal friction.
Sub-Committee to Drive Candidate Selection
The newly formed panel is tasked with a critical mission. It will convene for its first meeting on Saturday to meticulously review potential candidates with strong winning prospects in each electoral ward of the KMC. Based on this ground-level assessment, the committee will initiate preliminary discussions on the distribution of seats among the alliance partners.
"This sub-committee will review candidates with strong electoral prospects in each ward. Based on this assessment, an initial discussion on seat distribution will take place," revealed an attendee of the meeting. The panel's recommendations will then be compiled into a report and submitted to the senior leadership committee of the Mahayuti, which will hold the final authority on ratifying the seat allocation.
The sub-committee boasts a diverse representation:
- Shiv Sena: Yuva Sena West Maharashtra chief Rituraj Kshirsagar, district coordinator Satyajit Kadam, and south assembly chief Sharangdhar Deshmukh.
- BJP: MLA Amal Mahadik and former corporator Jayant Patil.
- NCP: District president Adil Faras, former corporator Mahesh Sawant, and Sandeep Kawale.
Alliance Confidence and Resolve
Expressing optimism about the proceedings, MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar stated that the seat-sharing discussions within the Mahayuti are progressing on a positive note. He emphasized the coalition's determination to remain unified throughout the electoral process. "We have resolved to stay united and ensure the saffron flag of Mahayuti is hoisted over KMC," Kshirsagar declared, underscoring the alliance's confidence in securing the civic body.
The formation of this dedicated sub-committee indicates a structured and consultative approach by the ruling coalition to manage the complex seat-sharing exercise. It aims to balance the aspirations of all partners while fielding the most formidable candidates to maximize their chances in the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation elections.
