MUMBAI: Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has made a significant announcement regarding its participation in the upcoming municipal elections. On January 10, 2025, the party declared that it would contest the local body polls independently, following a series of disagreements within its existing alliances, including the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. This move signals a growing rift within the opposition bloc, raising questions about the future unity of the opposition parties in Maharashtra.
A Shift in Strategy Amidst Political Challenges
Sanjay Raut, the spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT), explained the decision by criticizing the alliance dynamics. According to Raut, the lack of opportunities and growth within the alliance has negatively impacted party workers. He pointed out that in a coalition, individual party members often fail to gain the organizational growth they deserve. This frustration has now led Shiv Sena (UBT) to choose a path of independence in the local body elections.
“We will contest the elections in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other municipal corporations, zilla parishads, and panchayats on our strength,” Raut remarked. He further emphasized that such elections are crucial for asserting the party’s individual identity and strengthening its grassroots presence.
The Blame Game and Internal Conflicts within MVA
Sanjay Raut also accused the Congress party of disrupting the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s unity, which led to its poor performance in the state assembly elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader specifically criticized Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for engaging in a blame game instead of focusing on strengthening the coalition. According to Raut, the MVA’s inability to collaborate effectively had contributed to its electoral failure.
Additionally, Raut suggested that alliances such as the INDIA bloc and MVA were formed with the sole purpose of contesting the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, and not for local body elections. He stated that those who do not believe in compromise and consensus have no place in an alliance, further highlighting the tensions within the opposition.
Shiv Sena’s Support for AAP in Delhi Assembly Polls
This announcement comes shortly after Shiv Sena (UBT) declared its support for Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, 2025. This move has further indicated the party’s willingness to forge new political relationships, as it distances itself from its former allies in Maharashtra.
Source: Web Team, C6N
