Congress Signals Independent Course in Maharashtra After Zilla Parishad Poll Performance
Despite a largely underwhelming performance in the Zilla Parishad elections, the Congress party has indicated its intention to pursue an independent political strategy in Maharashtra. This move comes as discussions about realignments and mergers among other Opposition parties gain momentum across the state.
Election Results Highlight Mixed Outcomes for Congress
In the recent Zilla Parishad polls, results of which were declared on Monday, the Congress emerged as the single largest party only in Latur district. While the party showed improvement in its performance in Latur, Kolhapur, and Sangli, it failed to secure any seats in key districts such as Pune, Satara, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
In Sangli, the Congress is expected to share power with the NCP(SP), which emerged as the single largest party in that district. In Kolhapur, where the Congress finished in second place, it is set to assume the role of the principal Opposition in the Zilla Parishad. Despite holding the position as the largest party in Latur, the Congress is unlikely to secure the post of Zilla Parishad president, as the ruling Mahayuti alliance is anticipated to cross the majority mark.
Congress President Explains Solo Strategy
Reacting to the election outcomes, Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal stated that the party contested the rural local body elections largely on its own to strengthen its organisational base. "The Congress contested the local self-government elections across the state independently to expand its ideology and organisational base," Sapkal said.
He added, "In some places, alliances or fronts were formed at the local level after assessing the political situation. Since these elections belong to grassroots workers, they should be given maximum opportunities, which is not possible when alliances are formed. The people have given a positive mandate to Congress's ideology in these elections." Sapkal emphasized that the party has emerged as the largest Opposition force in Maharashtra following these polls.
Future Political Moves and 2029 Lok Sabha Elections
The Congress's stance emerges amid ongoing discussions about a potential merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party. Sources within the Congress have suggested that the party is prepared to go solo in Maharashtra, with a strategic focus on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
"We cannot go with the BJP, that's for sure. As far as the issue of merger between the two NCPs is concerned, we haven't talked about it nor anything has been informed to us. There is still time until 2029, and decisions will be taken after assessing the political situation then," Sapkal explained.
Evolving Electoral Strategy and New Alliances
Elaborating on the party's evolving electoral approach, Sapkal pointed to recent shifts in alliance politics. He noted that while the Maha Vikas Aghadi was formed under specific circumstances in 2019 and the Congress contested the 2024 Assembly elections as part of that alliance, the strategy differed for local body polls.
"However, in the local self-government elections, Congress contested independently in many places. The Congress party also brought new allies such as the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, OBC Bahujan Aghadi, and RSP on board. In these elections, Congress has emerged as the largest Opposition party in the state," he concluded, highlighting the party's efforts to broaden its support base and reinforce its position in Maharashtra's political landscape.
