Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 12: In view of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the Mumbai Congress has scheduled a crucial meeting on Monday, October 20, party sources confirmed. The meeting will be held in the presence of Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala and is expected to deliberate on the possibility of contesting the civic polls independently.

With the state gearing up for local body elections, political activity in Mumbai has intensified. Speculation about a potential alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has sparked discussions about the future of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has reportedly initiated talks with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, drawing keen interest from Congress leaders.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harchandra Sapkal had earlier hinted that the party was not in favor of including a new partner like MNS in the MVA. He had also stated that decisions regarding local body alliances would be taken by the state Congress leadership.

A senior Mumbai Congress leader said the party is open to reviewing all 227 BMC wards. “The special meeting on Monday under the guidance of Ramesh Chennithala will focus on evaluating all constituencies in Mumbai. We will also invite applications from potential candidates for each seat. Once we review the applications, the party will decide how many seats to contest,” the leader said.

He added that while the Congress remains part of the MVA for now, a final decision on alliances will be made only after consulting the party’s central leadership.