In the run-up to Maharashtra’s crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP, took a clear jab at the Congress party regarding its hesitation over forming an alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raut emphasized that the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, led by the two Thackeray cousins, is already a fait accompli, driven by popular will rather than any party's permission or approval.

The Congress in Maharashtra has maintained a cautious stance, avoiding a formal commitment without Delhi’s leadership approval, reflecting discomfort with aligning alongside the MNS, which it views as ideologically different. Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad recently expressed the party’s firm refusal to ally with the MNS for the upcoming civic polls. Meanwhile, leaders close to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have indicated a preference to maintain a united front, possibly including the MNS within the broader opposition fold to consolidate voter strength against the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition.

Sharad Pawar’s NCP has shown readiness to strengthen opposition unity. At a recent party meeting, Pawar signalled his support for joining forces with Shiv Sena (UBT) and even welcomed discussions about incorporating the MNS to mount a formidable challenge in Mumbai. NCP leaders underscored the need for all opposition parties, including MNS, communist groups, and regional outfits, to unite for an effective electoral fight against the BJP. However, Congress remains firm in contesting the elections solo, putting a question mark on any broader opposition alliance involving all parties.

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The backdrop to this standoff is the unique relationship between the two Thackeray factions. While Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is actively working to bring Raj Thackeray’s MNS into the fold for the Mumbai elections—an alliance viewed as a significant development—the Congress party’s reluctance reveals ongoing political fissures within the opposition camp. Despite efforts by Shiv Sena (UBT) to persuade Congress leadership at various levels, ideological differences and electoral calculations continue to hinder a complete alliance.

With the BMC election looming, this evolving opposition dynamic could have a decisive impact on Mumbai’s richest civic agency. The contest involves a complex web of alliances and rivalries, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS partnership poised to rally Marathi voters, even as Congress navigates its independent path. The convergence or divergence of these key players will shape Maharashtra’s political landscape in the months ahead.

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