Final Decision: Shiv Sena Led by Uddhav Thackeray to Run in Sangli, Sharad Pawar's NCP Takes Bhiwandi

The official announcement has been made. Chandrahar Patil, a wrestler and member of Shiv Sena (UBT), will be the Maha Vikas Aghadi candidate for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat. He will be up against the incumbent MP Sanjaykaka Patil from BJP, who has been re-nominated by his party.

The Congress has relinquished the Bhiwandi seat, which will now be contested by the NCP under the leadership of Sharad Pawar. The MVA has decided on a 21-17-10 seat distribution, with Shiv Sena (UBT) contesting 21 seats, Congress 17, and NCP (S-P) 10.

Following a heated dispute between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress, Chandrahar Patil's candidacy was officially endorsed by the leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi during a joint press conference in Mumbai.

The Congress and Sena had been at odds after Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray announced Chandrahar Patil's candidacy in Sangli. The Congress immediately objected, arguing that Sangli was a traditional stronghold for them, with two MLAs in the constituency, while the Sena had none. They proposed Vishal Patil, the grandson of former Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil.

In response, the Sena argued that they had given up the Kolhapur and Ramtek Lok Sabha seats and thus wanted to secure at least the Sangli seat in return. Congress leaders, led by Sangli MLA Vishwajeet Kadam, appealed to the Congress high command to discuss the matter with the Sena leadership. 

However, the Sena stood their ground. As a compromise, they offered to nominate Vishal Patil for the Rajya Sabha. The Sena also cautioned that any obstacles in the Sangli seat could have repercussions throughout Maharashtra.