Mumbai: Mumbai’s political landscape is witnessing intense maneuvering as parties gear up for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with alliances being tested and rivalries within the opposition bloc coming to the fore. The dynamics of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are particularly under scrutiny as key players strategize ahead of the civic polls.
While the Congress has publicly announced it will contest the BMC elections independently, Uddhav Thackeray continues efforts to convince the party to stay within the MVA fold. Congress has firmly rejected any coalition arrangement that includes Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Meanwhile, within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, there is renewed interest in forging a partnership with Congress for the civic polls. However, Pawar reportedly remains committed to the idea of contesting under a unified MVA banner, which encompasses Thackeray’s faction, as a strategy to consolidate opposition strength.
In a bid to strengthen opposition unity, Sharad Pawar has personally reached out to Congress leadership in Maharashtra. A pivotal joint Congress–NCP meeting, scheduled for next week, is expected to clarify the final stance on alliances and determine whether the MVA will present a united front or face a split during the BMC elections.
