Cracks in INDIA Bloc? Shiv Sena (UBT) Decides to Go Solo in Mumbai Civic Body elections
As Mumbai’s civic body elections approach, the political landscape is witnessing a notable shift. The Shiv Sena (UBT), a key constituent of the INDIA bloc, has announced its decision to contest the upcoming local body elections independently. This move has raised questions about the unity of the opposition alliance, which was formed to counter the ruling BJP in national and state-level polls.
Rajya Sabha MP and senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut clarified that the INDIA bloc and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances were primarily intended for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, not for local body polls. “In an alliance, workers of individual parties don’t get opportunities, and it hampers organisational growth. We will contest polls to the Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other municipal corporations, zilla parishads, and panchayats on our strength,” Raut stated.
The decision to go solo was reportedly influenced by party chief Uddhav Thackeray, who indicated that the party should rely on its own strength in the local elections. This move underscores the growing tensions within the INDIA bloc, which has struggled to maintain cohesion after the Lok Sabha elections.
Raut also criticized Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for blaming the MVA’s defeat in the state assembly on internal discord. “Those who don’t believe in consensus and compromise have no right to be in an alliance,” he asserted. He further revealed that the INDIA bloc had not held a single meeting after the Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the lack of coordination among its members.
“We were not able to appoint even a convenor for the INDIA bloc.It isn’t good. As the largest party of the alliance, it was the Congress’s obligation to convene a meeting,” Raut added, pointing fingers at the congress for failing to take the lead in maintaining the alliance’s unity.
In a sharp response to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s remarks about farm loan waivers, raut emphasized that the BJP’s poll manifesto included promises of farm loan waivers and financial support for Laadki Bahin beneficiaries. “Even if he hasn’t spoken about it, these two promises have to be implemented.He is the finance minister in the BJP government, and he will have to do it,” Raut said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also made headlines with his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent podcast,where Modi acknowledged being human and capable of making mistakes. Raut, however, dismissed the statement, saying, “He (Modi) is god. I don’t consider him a human. God is god. If someone declares him an incarnation of god, how can he be a human? He is the 13th avatar of Vishnu. if someone who has been considered god says he is human, something is wrong. there is chemical ‘locha’.”
The decision to contest the local body elections independently marks a significant shift in the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s strategy, raising questions about the future of the INDIA bloc. With the Congress being urged to take responsibility for the alliance’s unity, the political dynamics in Maharashtra are set to witness further turbulence.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| Shiv Sena (UBT) Decision | To contest Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other local body elections independently. |
| Reason for Going Solo | Alliance politics hampers organizational growth and limits opportunities for party workers. |
| INDIA Bloc’s Struggles | No meetings held post-Lok Sabha elections; no convenor appointed. |
| Congress’s role | Criticized for failing to convene meetings and maintain alliance unity. |
| Farm Loan Waiver Issue | Raut insists BJP must fulfill manifesto promises, despite Ajit Pawar’s remarks. |
| Raut’s Comments on PM modi | describes Modi as the “13th avatar of Vishnu,” dismissing his human admission. |
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its ability to navigate the upcoming elections independently.Will this decision strengthen the party’s position, or will it further fragment the opposition? Only time will tell.
cracks in INDIA Bloc? Shiv Sena (UBT) Decides to Go Solo in Mumbai Civic Body Elections
Table of Contents
As Mumbai’s civic body elections approach, the political landscape is witnessing a notable shift. The Shiv Sena (UBT),a key constituent of the INDIA bloc,has announced its decision to contest the upcoming local body elections independently. This move has raised questions about the unity of the opposition alliance, wich was formed to counter the ruling BJP in national and state-level polls. To delve deeper into this progress, we spoke with Dr.Anjali Deshmukh, a political analyst and expert on Maharashtra’s political dynamics, to understand the implications of this decision and its impact on the INDIA bloc.
On Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Decision to Go Solo
Senior Editor: Dr.Deshmukh, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has decided to contest the Mumbai civic body elections independently. What does this decision signify for the party and the INDIA bloc?
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh: This decision is significant for multiple reasons. Firstly, it reflects the shiv Sena (UBT)’s confidence in its organizational strength and grassroots support. by going solo, the party is signaling that it believes it can secure a substantial vote share without relying on alliance partners. However, this move also highlights the growing fissures within the INDIA bloc. The lack of coordination and trust among alliance members is becoming increasingly evident, which could weaken the opposition’s collective strength against the BJP.
On the INDIA Bloc’s Struggles
Senior Editor: Sanjay Raut mentioned that the INDIA bloc hasn’t held a single meeting post-Lok Sabha elections and hasn’t even appointed a convenor. What does this say about the alliance’s future?
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh: The absence of meetings and leadership within the INDIA bloc is a clear indication of disarray. Alliances thrive on communication and shared goals, but the INDIA bloc seems to be struggling on both fronts.The Congress, as the largest party in the alliance, bears significant responsibility for this lack of coordination. If the bloc fails to address these issues soon, it risks further fragmentation, which would be detrimental to its objective of presenting a united opposition to the BJP.
On the Role of the Congress
Senior Editor: Raut has criticized the Congress for not taking the lead in maintaining the alliance’s unity.Do you think the Congress is failing in its role as the largest party in the bloc?
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh: Absolutely.The Congress, as the senior partner, should have taken proactive steps to convene meetings and ensure that the alliance remains cohesive. Its failure to do so has created a leadership vacuum, which other parties like the Shiv Sena (UBT) are now exploiting to assert their independence. This lack of initiative from the Congress is not just a setback for the INDIA bloc but also raises questions about its ability to lead a united opposition in the future.
On the Farm loan waiver Issue
Senior Editor: Raut has also emphasized the need for the BJP to fulfill its manifesto promises, including farm loan waivers. How do you see this issue playing out in the upcoming elections?
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh: The farm loan waiver issue is a critical one, especially in Maharashtra, where agriculture plays a significant role in the economy. Raut’s insistence on the BJP fulfilling its promises is a strategic move to hold the ruling party accountable. If the BJP fails to deliver on these promises, it could alienate a significant portion of the rural electorate, which might benefit the Shiv Sena (UBT) and other opposition parties in the local body elections.
On Raut’s Comments About PM Modi
Senior Editor: Raut’s recent comments describing PM Modi as the “13th avatar of Vishnu” have sparked quite a debate. What do you make of this statement?
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh: Raut’s comments are clearly hyperbolic and intended to provoke a reaction.By elevating Modi to a divine status,he is both mocking the PM’s recent admission of being human and highlighting the cult of personality that surrounds him.While such statements may resonate with certain sections of the electorate,they also risk alienating those who view them as overly sensational or disrespectful. It’s a double-edged sword that could either galvanize support or backfire, depending on the audience.
on the Future of the INDIA Bloc
senior editor: With the Shiv Sena (UBT) going solo, what do you think the future holds for the INDIA bloc?
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh: The future of the INDIA bloc is uncertain at this point. The Shiv sena (UBT)’s decision to contest independently is a significant blow to the alliance’s unity. If other parties follow suit,the bloc could disintegrate,leaving the opposition fragmented and weak. However,if the Congress and other alliance members take immediate steps to address the issues of coordination and leadership,there might still be a chance to salvage the alliance. but time is running out, and the stakes are high.
