In a significant political development, the Congress party in Maharashtra has decided to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, ruling out an alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). The announcement was made by the party's state in-charge, Ramesh Chennithala, following a meeting with local functionaries in Mumbai.
Local Leaders' Wish Respected, New Alliances Sought
Chennithala clarified that this decision to go solo applies specifically to the high-stakes BMC polls. The party will, however, be open to alliances in civic elections across 28 other locations in the state, based on the willingness of local leadership. For Mumbai, the Congress plans to forge a coalition with "like-minded" parties, with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) being a primary target.
"We will fight the election against the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT)," Chennithala stated emphatically while addressing the media alongside Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad. He explained that the choice to contest alone was driven by the local unit's strong desire. "It's a local body election, and local leaders expressed their willingness to fight this election alone, so we agreed with it," he added.
Chargesheet on Corruption, Manifesto for Development
Outlining the party's campaign focus, Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad declared that their motto would be to fight for vikas (development) and not vivad (dispute). She emphasized a stand against divisive politics based on caste, religion, region, and language. The party plans to highlight critical civic issues plaguing Mumbai.
"Pollution in the city and corruption in the BMC are among the key issues we will highlight in the election," Gaikwad said. Chennithala further revealed that the Congress will release a detailed chargesheet documenting alleged corruption within the BMC. Additionally, the party will present a comprehensive manifesto outlining its vision and promises for Mumbai's development upon winning the civic polls.
Strategic Meetings and Statewide Flexibility
Chennithala confirmed that he has already initiated talks with VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar over the phone. A formal delegation from the Congress is scheduled to meet Ambedkar on Sunday to discuss the potential alliance's finer details. This move signals a strategic attempt to consolidate anti-BJP and non-Sena (UBT) votes in the city.
Separately, Chennithala held discussions with Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and other state leaders to formulate election strategies for other civic bodies. He maintained a flexible approach for the rest of the state, stating that local functionaries would be allowed to decide on alliances, including with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners, based on ground realities. However, he was cautious to indicate that the party intends to maintain a distance from the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The Congress's decision marks a clear shift in its Mumbai strategy and sets the stage for a multi-cornered contest in India's richest civic body, with the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and now a potentially strengthened Congress-VBA front as major players.
