Congress Rejects Alliance with MNS in Maharashtra Despite Local Leaders' Push for United Opposition

Mumbai:

Shortly after opposition leaders in Nashik suggested a local-level arrangement with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Congress party promptly distanced itself from such proposals. This response once again highlights Congress's reluctance toward forming a broader united opposition front in Maharashtra, particularly one seemingly led by the Thackeray brothers in Mumbai and surrounding regions.

During a joint press conference in Nashik, representatives from the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and MNS discussed potentially collaborating to challenge the ruling Mahayuti coalition in upcoming local body elections. MNS leader Dinkar Patil, Congress representative Rahul Dive, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant Gite all emphasized cooperation with the shared goal of "defeating the BJP," suggesting local civic polls could be contested "together."

The opposition representatives characterized their potential alliance as a "mahagathbandhan" opposing the Mahayuti, committing to a unified stand against "duplicitous voter lists" and promising to expose government shortcomings.

"We are united at the local level. Our objective is clear: defeat the BJP. We will forward this alliance proposal to state leadership, but locally we stand together," stated Congress's Rahul Dive.

While expressing willingness to collaborate, the parties carefully avoided presenting this as an official announcement. Instead, they framed it as a strong recommendation to their central leadership based on local political realities.

"We will submit the proposal to state leadership. We emphasize the importance of uniting at the local level," Dive added.

However, this public display of unity in Nashik immediately triggered a contradiction from Congress's top leadership.

"Congress will contest the BMC election independently. There is no question of aligning with the MNS," senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar declared when questioned about Mumbai.

Shortly afterward, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant posted on X: "The Congress party has not made any decision to align with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in Nashik. Such reports are inaccurate."

Internal Discomfort On Display

Since discussions began regarding forming a united opposition against the Mahayuti, Congress has maintained cautious distance, influenced by national-level political considerations. Whether concerning the Marathi language issue or protests against the state election commission, Congress has avoided public association with the MNS.

The contradictory messaging further exposes Congress's internal dilemma, not only in Nashik but throughout Maharashtra. While district-level leaders appear inclined toward tactical alliances to counter the strong BJP-led coalition, the party's senior leadership remains hesitant about any formal association with MNS, which has historically adopted hardline positions on migrants and identity politics.