Shiv Sena (UBT) to contest local polls solo, MVA rift?

Nagpur

Amid growing tensions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) announced on Saturday its decision to contest the upcoming local body elections independently. This move raises concerns about the unity of the opposition bloc in Maharashtra.

Sanjay Raut, a key Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, explained that the party's decision was driven by the lack of opportunities for workers in the alliance and the need for organizational growth. He also highlighted that the MVA alliances, such as I.N.D.I.A. and Maha Vikas Aghadi, were intended for Lok Sabha and assembly elections, not local body polls.

Two days earlier, the party had declared support for Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP in the Delhi assembly elections, bypassing the Congress. Reacting to the announcement, Congress said the party’s central leadership would decide whether to contest the local polls solo.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) move is expected to impact the poll prospects of all MVA constituents, including Congress and NCP. While NCP leaders have expressed concerns, Congress is prepared to go solo if needed. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis downplayed the development, reaffirming his government's focus on Maharashtra's progress.