Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 13: The Maharashtra Congress has indicated a growing sentiment within its ranks to contest upcoming local body elections independently, with several district and city units, including Mumbai Congress, expressing a clear preference to break away from alliance politics. However, the party has yet to make a final decision on the matter.

“These are local body elections, and we have asked our local units to decide on alliances based on local circumstances,” said Ramesh Chennithala, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Maharashtra, speaking to reporters after attending the party’s state political affairs committee meeting. “Yes, Mumbai Congress and several others have suggested contesting independently. We respect their opinion, but the final decision is still pending.”

When asked about the future of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — the alliance of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) that fought the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together — Chennithala clarified that local elections are often governed by grassroots-level dynamics. “These are local polls, and they are about local equations,” he said, signaling that MVA unity might not extend to municipal contests.

On the possible entry of Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) into the opposition alliance, Chennithala dismissed any such speculation. “As of now, MNS is not part of MVA. No discussions have taken place, and no such proposal is under consideration,” he said, adding, “I am not an astrologer to predict the future.”

Chennithala also confirmed that the Congress will participate in an all-party delegation meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra on October 14 to raise concerns over voter list discrepancies. “Rahul Gandhi was the first to flag this issue, so we will definitely be involved. Senior leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad will represent the party. Our state president is heading to Delhi for party-related work,” he said.

The delegation reportedly includes leaders across party lines, with invitations sent to Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Ajit Pawar (NCP, ruling faction), alongside representatives from Shiv Sena (UBT).

Meanwhile, the Congress stepped up its attack on the MahaYuti government led by Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, accusing it of betraying farmers, women, and the unemployed.

“Instead of helping farmers in crisis with real aid, the government has announced a bogus package by rebranding existing schemes. There is no word on loan waivers,” Chennithala said, sharply criticizing the handling of agricultural distress in the state.

He also accused the government of failing to deliver on the promised Rs 2,100 monthly assistance under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, calling it a “fraudulent promise.”

Chennithala announced that the Congress would launch statewide protests and marches in the coming weeks to demand action on these issues. “We will hold this government accountable,” he asserted.

The developments signal a potentially shifting dynamic in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with Congress appearing to reassert its identity at the grassroots ahead of key civic elections — even as questions remain over the unity and coherence of the broader opposition alliance.