Internal disquiet in MVA as Congress, UBT Sena plan solo municipal poll bids
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The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), is grappling with internal discord following its poor performance in the recent Assembly elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti swept the elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats, leaving the MVA with a mere 46 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20, the Congress 16, and the NCP (SP) 10.
Discontent has emerged within all three MVA partners, with leaders voicing concerns about the alliance's future. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have questioned the party's continued association with the Congress and NCP (SP), arguing that an independent path might better align with their party's ideological stance, The Indian Express reported.
Internal discussions have reportedly highlighted dissatisfaction among newly elected MLAs and party workers, many of whom believe the alliance diluted the party's identity.
In contrast, Congress leaders acknowledged that some members have raised similar concerns, with a faction suggesting the party should consider contesting future elections independently. However, the Congress leadership has emphasised that such matters would ultimately be decided by the central party leadership after a thorough analysis of the election results.
Within the Shiv Sena (UBT), senior leaders have pointed to issues such as alleged overconfidence within Congress ranks and a lack of strategic alignment before the elections. These concerns, coupled with the alliance’s failure to project a unified leadership, are seen as factors contributing to the electoral rout.
Some leaders within the Uddhav camp believe that presenting Thackeray as the alliance's chief ministerial candidate could have boosted their prospects.
While the NCP (SP) leadership has refrained from commenting publicly, the alliance partners are expected to meet soon to assess the situation and decide on their future course of action. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have suggested that upcoming municipal elections could be contested independently, with alliance decisions being left to local leadership. This approach reflects a growing desire within the party to strengthen its organisational structure and rebuild its grassroots support across the state’s 288 Assembly constituencies.
Senior MVA leaders, however, have stressed the need for collective introspection. They attributed the electoral defeat to various factors, including alleged irregularities involving EVMs and the misuse of money during the campaign. Despite setbacks, the alliance has been urged to remain united, particularly with the Lok Sabha elections still five years away.
The internal strife comes at a critical juncture, as the MVA faces the challenge of retaining its influence in local governing bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
