Raut signals Congress stance irrelevant as Sena (UBT)–MNS push for united front in Maharashtra
Indicating a firm stance on alliance decisions, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday asserted that the Congress party's reluctance to back a possible tie-up between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) would not alter their course toward forming a wider opposition front in Maharashtra. Raut suggested in a post on X that the two Thackeray-led parties are prepared to move ahead with their plans irrespective of Congress's position.
New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday suggested that the Congress party’s reservations over a possible alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will not influence the plan for a broader opposition front in Maharashtra. In a post on X, Raut implied that the two Thackeray-led factions intend to proceed regardless of whether the Congress supports their move.
Raut rejects dependency
The Congress in Maharashtra has been treading cautiously, insisting that any decision on alliances must first be discussed with its leadership in Delhi. Referring to this hesitancy, Raut remarked that while the Congress is free to take its own call, neither the MNS nor the Shiv Sena (UBT) will wait for external approval.
"... Shiv Sena and MNS have already come together; this is the people's will. There is no need for anyone's orders or permission for that. Sharad Pawar and the Left parties are also together on this,” Raut said on X.
Call for united fight
NCP chief Sharad Pawar has also pitched for a consolidated opposition front, stating that unity is essential to take on the BJP effectively. At a party meeting in Mumbai, he conveyed readiness to fight elections jointly and demonstrated willingness to form a common platform with allies.
The NCP is close to closing an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT), which also indirectly indicates openness towards the MNS joining the bloc. "All natural friends should stay together. All the MVA parties - Samajwadi, communist parties, Ambedkar parties, the workers have said that all these parties should fight together,” NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad said.
While the Congress has historically viewed the MNS as ideologically incompatible and has resisted aligning with it, Uddhav Thackeray is pushing to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as part of a united Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), including Raj Thackeray’s party.
Congress remains cautious
The BMC, India’s wealthiest civic body, is set to vote early next year. The Congress has already declared it will contest alone, raising doubts about broader opposition unity. The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s warming ties with the MNS have caused discomfort within the Congress, which has maintained distance despite welcoming the cousins’ reconciliation.
For now, the Congress has indicated it is open to dialogue but remains non-committal about any formal political understanding with the MNS.