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Fresh questions have emerged over the cohesion of Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) after a significant number of legislators failed to attend a key strategy meeting, highlighting growing concerns about the opposition alliance's ability to stay united. The meeting, held on Wednesday evening, was intended to help the alliance coordinate its approach ahead of upcoming political battles and the state assembly session. However, the absence of 23 out of the bloc's 60 MLAs shifted attention away from strategy and toward concerns about internal divisions.

Several prominent leaders were among those missing, including Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar and senior leader Jayant Patil. Party sources told NDTV that the senior leaders were unable to attend due to personal commitments. Senior Congress leaders Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar were also absent, with Wadettiwar's office citing health reasons.

Mass Absence Raises Questions Over Alliance Cohesion

The large number of absentees has intensified speculation about the health of the opposition coalition, which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).

Political observers noted that the meeting came at a sensitive moment for the alliance, making the absence of several senior leaders particularly noteworthy.

While party leaders have downplayed concerns, the optics of nearly one-third of the alliance's legislators missing from an important gathering have provided fresh ammunition to critics who argue that the coalition is struggling to maintain unity.

Uddhav Thackeray Voices Concern

Addressing those present at the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray openly acknowledged the challenges facing the alliance.

“Are we truly together?” he reportedly asked, highlighting concerns over commitment within the coalition.

Despite expressing frustration, Thackeray urged colleagues not to dwell on recent departures and instead focus on strengthening the ranks that remain. “Those who have left… let them go,” he said.

The former chief minister also sought to project confidence, describing the MVA as a “major force” and calling for joint public outreach programmes, rallies and coordinated political action.

Recent Defections Add To Pressure

The latest developments come days after a significant setback for Thackeray's faction. Last week, six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) crossed over to the rival Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The defections dealt another blow to Thackeray's camp, which has already been grappling with the consequences of the 2022 rebellion that led to the collapse of the MVA government in Maharashtra.

That split fundamentally altered the state's political landscape and weakened Thackeray's hold over the party he inherited from his father, Bal Thackeray.

Memories Of Earlier Splits Resurface

Analysts argue that the alliance's current troubles cannot be viewed in isolation. The MVA has already endured two major political ruptures in recent years.

The first came in 2022 when the Shiv Sena split under Eknath Shinde's leadership, followed by the 2023 rebellion within the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar.