INDIA, MVA Alliances Not Needed For Civic Polls In Maharashtra: Sanjay Raut

Raut also touched on the growing public sentiment favoring a joint electoral front between Uddhav Thackeray's Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena

The municipal elections, including those for the influential Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are expected later this year

Source : ABP

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday dismissed the necessity of national or state-level political alliances like the INDIA bloc or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for upcoming municipal and local body elections in Maharashtra. Raut asserted that such arrangements are relevant only for larger electoral battles.

“The MVA came together for the state assembly elections, and the INDIA bloc was formed to challenge the BJP in the Lok Sabha. Local elections don’t demand such coalitions,” Raut said, reported PTI.

Raut also touched on the growing public sentiment favoring a joint electoral front between Uddhav Thackeray's Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). “There is a demand from citizens in Mumbai and other cities for both parties to contest local polls together. But the final decision will be taken once the poll schedule is announced,” he added, as per the report.

The municipal elections, including those for the influential Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are expected later this year. The BMC was a Shiv Sena stronghold for nearly two decades until the party’s split in 2022.

Mahayuti Takes Aim At Potential Sena (UBT)-MNS Alliance

Responding to Raut's comments, state minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant criticized the idea of a Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, suggesting it may lead to a clash of agendas. “After any such alliance, one party will simply pursue its own goals,” he remarked at the Vidhan Bhavan, indirectly referencing Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.

Samant also compared the differing tones of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray at their recent joint rally. While Raj spoke about issues concerning the Marathi-speaking population, Samant alleged that Uddhav focused solely on political rhetoric.

Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP—has hinted at contesting most civic polls jointly. However, leaders have suggested there could be "friendly contests" in some local bodies among alliance partners.