Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 11: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has decided to contest the upcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra independently, distancing itself from alliances. Party MP Sanjay Raut made the announcement on Saturday, signaling a significant shift in the party’s strategy.

“We will go solo from Nagpur to Mumbai. This is our decision, and we must give our workers an opportunity. Denying them a chance will hurt the party’s growth,” Raut stated. He emphasized the need for all political parties to prioritize their workers by contesting local elections independently, instead of relying on alliances that limit grassroots participation.

Raut pointed out that alliances often hinder party workers from contesting in major elections like the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, which ultimately affects the party’s expansion. “Fighting on our own in municipal corporations, district councils, and Nagar Panchayats is crucial for strengthening our organization,” he said.

According to Raut, party chief Uddhav Thackeray has approved the decision after interacting with cadres statewide. Party workers had expressed a strong preference for contesting independently to rebuild the party’s base.

The move is being interpreted in Maharashtra’s political circles as the beginning of a shift away from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which had earlier contested Lok Sabha and Assembly elections jointly. Raut further challenged the Congress to clarify the status of the INDIA bloc, especially in light of its decision to oppose the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi elections.

Maintaining control over the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with its substantial ?40,000-crore budget, remains a top priority for the Shiv Sena (UBT). The party views the upcoming elections as an opportunity to reinvigorate its presence by contesting solo in other local and civic bodies.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hinted at a unified strategy for the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), BJP, and NCP to retain dominance in upcoming elections. Reacting to Raut’s announcement, NCP-SP legislature party leader Jitendra Awhad remarked, “If the Thackeray faction has decided to go solo, it’s their prerogative. However, such decisions should have been discussed beforehand.”

The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s decision is also rooted in growing discomfort with Congress’s perceived arrogance and its approach toward regional allies. Raut’s differences with state Congress chief Nana Patole over seat-sharing arrangements had delayed the MVA’s poll strategy.

NCP-SP MP Dr. Amol Kolhe criticized both Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) for their lack of urgency and dynamism, which he argued has hampered alliance cohesion. “While Congress struggles to recover, the Thackeray faction remains dormant. To win these elections, we must act with renewed vigor,” Kolhe said.

Veteran Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar echoed the sentiment, attributing the MVA’s challenges to unresolved seat-sharing disputes. He acknowledged that delays in coordination and strategy had weakened the alliance’s poll prospects.

As the Shiv Sena (UBT) gears up to test its strength independently, Maharashtra’s political landscape is poised for a dramatic reshaping in the forthcoming local and civic elections.