The political landscape in Maharashtra is witnessing significant shifts as parties gear up for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections expected in January 2026. The Indian National Congress has announced its decision to contest the BMC polls independently, a move that could strain the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance and redraw political equations in the state. Simultaneously, speculation is rife about a potential alliance between estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray, leading the Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, who heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala declared the Congress party's intention to contest all 227 seats independently in the BMC polls. This decision, he stated, reflects the desire of party leaders and workers to go it alone in the civic elections. The announcement followed a meeting of senior state and city Congress leaders.
The Congress's decision has not elicited strong opposition from other MVA partners like the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), who have largely remained quiet on the matter. MRCC President Prof. Varsha Gaikwad emphasized that the Congress is a "cultured and respected party" and cannot align with any group that has previously targeted North Indian migrants, in what appeared to be a veiled jab at Raj Thackeray's MNS. She also affirmed that the Congress's alliance with the NCP (SP) remains intact, leaving further comments on the matter to Sharad Pawar.
Several factors appear to be driving the Congress's decision to go solo. One is the increasing public bonhomie between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, which has made some MVA partners uneasy. Another is the Congress's concern about protecting its North Indian and Muslim voter base, especially given the MNS's history of targeting North Indian migrants. The Congress's recent poor performance in the Bihar Assembly polls, where it was part of the Mahagathbandhan, may have also influenced the decision.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray is reportedly keen on establishing Shiv Sena (UBT)'s control in Mumbai politics, which explains his efforts to mend fences with his cousin Raj Thackeray. Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, has confirmed the collaboration between the Thackeray brothers. However, this potential alliance has faced resistance from the Congress, which has warned that it will leave the MVA entirely if the MNS becomes part of Uddhav's coalition plans.
The evolving political landscape has triggered mixed reactions. Some within the Congress believe that a united opposition fight, including the MNS, is necessary to defeat the BJP in areas where the Congress is weak. Others strongly oppose any association with the MNS due to its past stance. The MNS, for its part, has clarified that it is not part of the MVA and has criticized the Congress. The BJP has accused the Congress of changing its position for political convenience.
The Samajwadi Party has also decided to contest the BMC elections independently. As the BMC elections draw closer, the political dynamics in Maharashtra are likely to remain fluid, with parties exploring various alliance possibilities and strategies. The Congress's decision to go solo and the potential alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray could have significant implications for the MVA and the overall political landscape in the state.
