Mumbai: In a significant move, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced on Saturday that his party will contest the upcoming elections for local bodies independently, without aligning with the INDIA bloc or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances.
Addressing reporters in Nagpur, Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, clarified, “The INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances are for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. However, for local body polls such as those in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other municipal corporations, zilla parishads, and panchayats, we will contest on our own strength.”
He further stated, “In an alliance, workers of individual parties don’t get opportunities, and it hampers organizational growth. We want our workers to actively participate, develop, and grow within the party structure. Hence, we will contest these elections independently, focusing on strengthening our base in cities and rural areas alike.”
Raut’s remarks signal a strategic shift for Shiv Sena (UBT), emphasizing its commitment to grassroots-level politics. The decision to contest on its own comes amid internal discussions within the party regarding party worker engagement and local governance.
This development could reshape the political landscape in Maharashtra, particularly in urban centers like Mumbai and Thane, where Shiv Sena (UBT) aims to assert its influence without dependence on larger alliances.
As Shiv Sena (UBT) gears up for these elections, this move is expected to generate significant political momentum, reflecting the party’s intent to position itself as a standalone force in local body polls.
