Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS Alliance for BMC Polls Likely Soon, Congress Still Not Fully On Board

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Mumbai: The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has indicated that a political tie-up with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections could be announced very soon. Party leaders said talks between the two sides are in their final stage, while efforts are continuing to bring the Congress on board for a united fight against the BJP.

Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab said the timing and manner of the alliance announcement will be jointly decided by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray. He added that the understanding between the two parties is close to being finalised and could be revealed at any moment.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut also hinted that the alliance may take shape within the next few days. He said discussions held recently were likely the last round of talks before a formal announcement. However, Raut admitted that the Congress has expressed discomfort over including the Raj Thackeray-led MNS in the alliance.

According to Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, convincing the Congress remains a challenge. They argue that unity among opposition parties is essential to counter the BJP’s strength in Mumbai’s civic politics, especially in the high-stakes BMC elections.

The Congress, meanwhile, has signalled that it may prefer to contest the BMC polls independently. AICC general secretary and Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala recently said that party workers are strongly pushing for a solo fight. He stated that the Congress wants to approach voters on local civic issues such as pollution, public health services, and corruption, and is keen on protecting Mumbai’s secular character.

Elections to 29 civic bodies across Maharashtra, including the powerful Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, are scheduled for January 15, with vote counting to take place on January 16. As the deadline approaches, political activity in Mumbai has intensified, with alliance talks expected to play a decisive role in shaping the contest.

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