Mumbai's Fractured Politics: 'No need to take Congress seriously' says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader
In a scathing attack on Congress's relevance in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have dismissed the party as a "tourist party" lacking electoral strength in India's financial capital. The barb comes ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, delayed since 2022, and is part of a heated exchange between the opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
The dispute escalated after Congress announced its decision to contest BMC polls solo, citing ideological reasons and a unanimous party decision. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and their mouthpiece Saamana have warned that contesting independently is "suicidal" and risks vote splits that could benefit the Mahayuti alliance.
"The Congress is a tourist party. They have no relevance in Mumbai," MP Sanjay Raut declared in an editorial piece in Saamana, the mouthpiece of Shiv Sena (UBT). "Contesting alone will be suicidal. It's a divided house, and we will take advantage of it."
This stance reflects the deepening rift within MVA, a fragile coalition that includes Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress. The opposition's weakness is further compounded by the fact that Congress has been historically weak in Mumbai, where it has struggled to make an impact.
Meanwhile, Congress's state president Harshwardhan Sapkal has hit back at Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing the party of trying to "bury" Congress in the BMC polls. In a sarcastic remark, Sapkal congratulated the Election Commission for "aiding" Mahayuti in its sweeping victory in the recent municipal polls.
The opposition's disarray is a blow to MVA's chances of taking control of the BMC, which controls a budget of ₹60,000 crore. The stakes are high, as the BMC polls are expected to be a closely contested battle between Mahayuti and MVA.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have also accused the Election Commission of bias, with senior leader Ambadas Danve calling Mahayuti's victory a "victory of power, money, and corruption." Raut, meanwhile, blamed EVM "tampering" and money "hailstorm" for the opposition's poor show in the recent municipal polls.
The controversy is also linked to the MNS (Raj Thackeray) factor, which has finalized a seat-sharing pact with Shiv Sena (UBT) for the BMC polls. This has raised concerns among Congress workers, who fear that the alliance will alienate minorities and North Indians in 40-50 wards with significant such demographics.
The escalating war of words between Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) has deepened polarization ahead of the BMC polls, amplifying money power/EVM allegations and eroding trust in local elections.
"This is a desperate attempt by Congress to cling to relevance in Mumbai," a senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said on condition of anonymity. "They will only end up splitting votes and benefiting Mahayuti."
In the face of this opposition, Congress is choosing to go it alone in the BMC polls, a decision that has been met with skepticism by many within the party.
Congress risks marginalization as a minor player in Mumbai, while Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS pact could consolidate Marathi votes but alienate minorities/North Indians, affecting 40-50 wards with significant such demographics.
The BMC polls are now all set to be a closely contested battle, with the stakes high and the opposition's unity in shambles.
📰 Source: Hindustan Times - Politics
