Amid growing tensions within the INDIA bloc, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut announced on Saturday that the party will contest the upcoming municipal elections in Mumbai and Nagpur independently.
Raut revealed that the decision had been discussed with Nagpur’s party chief, Pramod Manmode, and was supported by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray.
“We will fight the Mumbai and Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections on our own. Whatever happens, we have to stand for ourselves. Uddhav Thackeray has signaled us to move forward. I just discussed this with our city Shiv Sena chief Pramod Manmode,” Raut told reporters.
Raut explained that the decision was driven by the need to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence, as workers often miss out on opportunities to contest in Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections.
“In alliances, our workers don’t get the chance to fight in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly elections. This is impacting the party’s growth. We need to independently contest Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad, and Nagar Panchayat elections to build and strengthen the organization,” he said.
The announcement comes amid Raut’s criticism of the Congress for its role in the INDIA alliance, formed to challenge the BJP in the 2024 general elections. Raut noted that the alliance has not held a single meeting since the elections, and urged the Congress to take responsibility for convening one.
“It is true that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha elections, but no meetings have taken place after the elections. The Congress is responsible for calling such a meeting,” Raut added.
The INDIA alliance, which includes the Congress, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and other opposition parties, is facing internal rifts. The Congress and AAP remain at odds in Delhi as the capital gears up for assembly elections on February 5.
Earlier, CPI General Secretary D. Raja acknowledged that the INDIA bloc “stands divided” after the Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized the need for secular and democratic parties to unite for a strong challenge against the BJP.
With Shiv Sena (UBT) deciding to go solo in Mumbai and Nagpur municipal elections, the INDIA bloc’s cohesion faces another test as it navigates both electoral challenges and internal discord.
