Akhilesh Yadav on MVA Seat-Sharing: ‘No Place for Sacrifice in Politics’
Amid the ongoing seat-sharing standoff between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has taken a firm stance, stating that “sacrifice has no place in politics.” Yadav emphasized that if the MVA excludes the SP from its alliance, the party will independently contest constituencies where it has a strong voter base, he told ANI on Sunday.
Yadav clarified that the SP would focus on seats where its organizational presence is strong and avoid contesting in areas that might harm the alliance. He underscored that the decision-making process would rest with the SP’s state president but reiterated the party’s unwillingness to compromise.
“The state president of the Samajwadi Party will decide our course of action. We will first attempt to remain part of the alliance, but if the MVA does not include us, we will contest in constituencies where we have strong voter support or a robust organizational presence. We will steer clear of seats that might damage the alliance, but in politics, there is no room for sacrifice,” Yadav stated, as quoted by ANI.
SP-MVA Seat-Sharing Deadlock
The Samajwadi Party has long been demanding five seats as part of the MVA’s seat-sharing agreement for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, but the alliance has yet to finalize the allocation. SP has criticized the MVA for delaying its decision, with frustration growing among its leaders.
SP Maharashtra Chief Abu Azmi expressed his dissatisfaction on Saturday, stating that the party would have no choice but to contest independently if the seats are not allocated.
“We spoke to Sharad Pawar yesterday, and he assured us that a decision would be made today, but I have yet to receive a call. The seats we requested are being given to others. It feels like we are being betrayed again, just like in the last elections. If the MVA doesn’t include us, we will go it alone. I have spoken to Akhilesh Yadav, and he has given me full authority,” Azmi told ANI.
SP Prepares to Contest 20 Seats Independently
Frustrated with the MVA’s lack of response, Azmi announced that the SP is preparing to contest at least 20 seats in Maharashtra. He warned MVA leaders that any damage to the alliance due to a vote split would be a direct result of their indecision and inaction.
Azmi added that the SP remains committed to its demands but is prepared to act independently if necessary. “The ball is in their court now,” he said, as the SP positions itself for a critical decision ahead of the elections.