Shiv Sena-MNS Alliance Forms Despite Congress Hesitation in Maharashtra Opposition Politics

The NCP is also approaching finalization of an alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT).

Mumbai:

Sena MP Sanjay Raut implied in a post on X today that Congress's opinion regarding an alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) is irrelevant if the two parties decide to join forces.

Maharashtra Congress has been hesitant to make commitments without consulting their "high command" in Delhi.

Referring to this practice, Raut stated that while Congress can make their own decisions, neither MNS nor Shiv Sena (UBT) will wait for external permission.

"Shiv Sena and MNS have already united; this reflects the people's wishes. No orders or permission are needed for this alliance. Sharad Pawar and the Left parties have also joined this coalition," Raut declared on X.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar has suggested that unification would be preferable to confront the BJP directly. He expressed this sentiment during a party meeting in Mumbai, where he demonstrated to members a clear willingness to present a unified opposition against the BJP.

The NCP is nearing completion of alliance arrangements with Shiv Sena (UBT), indirectly signaling their acceptance of MNS potentially joining the coalition.

NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad stated, "All natural allies should remain united. Party workers have expressed that all MVA parties - Samajwadi, communist parties, Ambedkar parties - should contest elections together."

The Congress has historically opposed MNS, viewing it as ideologically incompatible. However, with Uddhav Thackeray eager to contest the upcoming Mumbai municipal corporation elections alongside Maha Vikas Aghadi allies and his cousin Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, efforts are being made to persuade Congress to participate.

Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the country's wealthiest civic body, will hold elections early next year.

Congress has previously announced its intention to contest independently, casting doubt on opposition unity in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT)'s growing proximity to MNS has been poorly received by Congress, which has maintained distance from MNS.

Though Congress has welcomed the reunion of the Thackeray cousins, it has avoided political alignment with MNS.