The Maharashtra Congress has invited applications from aspirants in all 288 Assembly seats of Maharashtra. However, the party clarified that it has no intention to go it alone. Asserting that the Congress will contest the Assembly election as a part of Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, The party said it is trying to assess its strength, which will help in seat sharing discussions with other alliance partners.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said that the party’s decision to explore candidates for all Maharashtra assembly seats should not be misconstrued as its preparation to face the election alone. “The MVA is intact. We will contest the election in alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP).

A party should have its organisational structure and work at every place. An alliance will be formed as per the seat sharing on the merits. Preparing for all seats is not wrong, and even our alliance partners are preparing the same way.

We will contest the elections as Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA),” he said. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe confirmed the party’s decision to gauge its strength in all Assembly seats. Asserting that the Congress will fight elections as part of the MVA, Londhe said, “It will help us to stake claim on a particular seat during our seat-sharing discussions.

We will be suggesting names of aspirants who have a strong chance to win.” NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapse also said there was nothing wrong in Congress’s decision. He said every party tries.