Shiv Sena (UBT) To Go Solo In BMC Polls? Sanjay Raut Says ' INDIA, MVA Alliances Not Needed...'

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 17:54 IST

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that alliances like the INDIA or MVA are not necessary for the upcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. (File)

Amid speculation over a possible political realignment in Maharashtra Opposition’s Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday dismissed the necessity of political alliances like the INDIA or MVA in the upcoming local and civic body elections in the state.

While speaking to the reporters, Raut asserted that such arrangements are relevant only for larger electoral battles.

“I was asked what is the status of INDIA bloc? I said that it was formed for Lok Sabha polls and Maha Vikas Aghadi was for Assembly elections. There is no need of these two in local bodies elections. Local bodies elections are fought over local issues," he said as quoted by news agency PTI.

About two dozen parties from across the country are a part of the Indian Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Sharad Pawar-led ist Congress Party (NCP), and the Congress — was formed in November 2019 after the Shiv Sena, then led by Uddhav Thackeray, parted ways with its long-time ally, the BJP, following a power-sharing tussle after the Maharashtra Assembly election.

The Rajya Sabha MP further sought to clarify that while there is no formal alliance between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), there is a growing public pressure for the recently reunited Thackeray cousins to join forces for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

“I didn’t say MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) are contesting elections together, I said that there is pressure from people that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS should contest local bodies elections together, as they believe that if the rights of the ‘Marathi Maanus’ are to be protected, then Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray must come together," Raut added.

He further said that a decision on the alliance would be taken after the BMC elections would be announced.

Elections in Maharashtra civic bodies, including the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will likely be held later this year. The Bal Thackeray-founded Shiv Sena, which split in 2022, had controlled the BMC for nearly two decades.

Raut’s remarks came days after the estranged Thackeray cousins– Uddhav and Raj– shared a stage, marking a rare public show of unity after nearly two decades, at a gathering titled ‘Awaj Marathicha’ to celebrate the rollback of two government resolutions issued by the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, introducing Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in Maharashtra schools.

During the event, Uddhav Thackeray hinted at a closer association with his cousin. “We have come together and will stay together," he declared, fueling speculation of a joint fight for Mumbai’s civic body polls.

Mahayuti Takes Jibe At Raut

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra responded to Raut’s comments with state minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant criticising the idea of a Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, suggesting it may lead to a clash of agendas.

“After any such alliance, one party will simply pursue its own goals," he said at the Vidhan Bhavan, indirectly referring to Shiv Sena (UBT), as quoted by the ABP News.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also responded to Raut’s remarks and said, “I think he (Sanjay Raut) means that if Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray contest the upcoming BMC election together, it may cause rifts in the INDIA bloc… If this happens, it will benefit our Mahayuti and win the elections… Many Marathis support the BJP, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar… That is why we don’t care if Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reconcile."

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi said, “Everyone has been pulling each other down from the beginning. If all had worked for one another in the Assembly and if the seat-sharing had been done properly, this situation would not have arisen today…"

Congress leader Nana Patole also reacted to Raut’s remarks regarding no alliance within the INDIA bloc and said that local elections are fought based on the confidence and efforts of local party workers and leaders.

“There is no need for me to make a comment. I won’t make any comments on Sanjay Raut. I have said many a time that local body elections are contested by taking local workers and local leaders into confidence. So, these elections should not be viewed like that…" he said.

The municipal elections, including those for the influential Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are expected later this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics Shiv Sena (UBT) To Go Solo In BMC Polls? Sanjay Raut Says ' INDIA, MVA Alliances Not Needed...'