After the recent defeat in the assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing internal pressure to break away from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition coalition for the upcoming local body elections. During a meeting of defeated party candidates, Thackeray addressed the possibility of reassessing the benefits of the MVA alliance for the party. This has sparked a growing sentiment within the party for independent contestation in the upcoming elections.
Ambadas Danve, a senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, acknowledged the party’s desire to rebuild its organization and contest the elections independently. Many party members believe that the alliance with Congress has alienated their traditional voter base and are advocating for an approach focused on Hindutva and sons of the soil as core principles.
The recent elections saw Shiv Sena (UBT) winning only 20 out of 95 contested seats, with most victories concentrated in their Mumbai stronghold. Some party leaders believe that the split with the BJP and the alliance with Congress have affected their support base. Post-Lok Sabha elections, there were campaigns against Shiv Sena (UBT) attributing their seat victories to minority votes, which may have influenced traditional Sena voters.
Arvind Sawant, a senior party leader, mentioned that the party will assess the seat sharing and election campaign strategies with their allies. The delays in local body elections, including municipal corporations and district councils, have added to the urgency for Shiv Sena (UBT) to make a decision regarding their future electoral participation.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) faces a complex decision regarding MVA withdrawal or independent participation in the upcoming elections, as they would need to navigate opposition from the BJP and seek support from Congress’s traditional voters in major cities. The Mumbai civic polls, in particular, are crucial for the party to recover from their recent setbacks.
In response to these developments, Congress has maintained a measured stance, stating that each party has the right to decide its coalition partners and electoral strategies. The upcoming months will be critical for Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) as they navigate these challenges and make decisions that will shape their political future.
