In a significant political development, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena announced on Saturday that it will contest the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other local bodies independently. This decision marks a major setback for the INDIA bloc alliance in Maharashtra, raising questions about its cohesion.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut explained the rationale behind the move, stating, “In alliances, party workers often lose opportunities, which hampers organisational growth. We are confident in our strength and will fight the elections on our own.”
The announcement follows an unexpected move by Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, who recently praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its strategy and Hindutva campaign which played a crucial role in the BJP’s decisive victory in the state Assembly elections last November.
Speaking at a party event in Mumbai, Pawar also expressed concerns about complacency among Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) workers despite the strong performance by the alliance – which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), the NCP(SP) and Congress – in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The developments reflect growing tensions within the MVA and suggest a shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape ahead of crucial local elections.
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