Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi Coalition Faces Turmoil as Key Leaders Skip Meeting
The Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition in Maharashtra is experiencing turmoil as 23 out of 60 legislators missed a crucial strategy meeting. Key leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Nana Patole, were absent, raising concerns about the coalition's stability. Uddhav Thackeray questioned the unity of the alliance, especially after recent defections to the opposing faction led by Eknath Shinde. As tensions rise, Thackeray calls for solidarity among remaining members, emphasizing the need for collective action despite setbacks. This situation has left many wondering about the future of the MVA coalition.
| Jun 25, 2026, 12:25 IST
Is the Maha Vikas Aghadi Coalition on the Brink of Collapse?
There are growing concerns that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition in Maharashtra may be unraveling. This speculation arises from the fact that 23 out of 60 legislators from the opposition alliance did not attend a strategic meeting held on Wednesday evening. Notably absent were Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, and senior leader Jayant Patil, both of whom cited personal reasons for their absence. Their absence is not the only significant concern.
Reports indicate that Congress leaders Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar also missed the meeting, with Wadettiwar's office stating he was unwell. However, Harshvardhan Sapkal, the head of the state Congress unit, and Sanjay Raut from the Shiv Sena were present. This meeting comes on the heels of a recent rebellion where six MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's faction of the Shiv Sena joined the opposing faction led by Eknath Shinde, leading many to believe that the MVA's end is near.
Thackeray expressed his dismay, questioning whether they truly stand united. Reflecting on the rebellion of his MPs—marking the second such incident in four years—he urged his leaders and coalition partners to focus on those who remain loyal. He stated that those who have left should be allowed to go. Following this, Thackeray adopted a firmer stance, asserting that as the MVA, they are a formidable force. He called for members to demonstrate solidarity by collaborating on joint meetings and rallies, even in the face of setbacks.
The beleaguered Shiv Sena leader further questioned their unity, asking if they genuinely act as the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the assembly and if they collectively raise issues. On Wednesday, two MPs from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting him to share the demands submitted by the six rebel MPs. This meeting occurred just two days after the rebels joined Eknath Shinde's faction. After their discussion with Birla, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MPs Anil Desai and Arvind Sawant informed reporters that they urged the Speaker to adhere to constitutional provisions and requested a copy of the demands submitted by the rebel group.
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