Cracks in Maha Vikas Aghadi: Alliance on the Brink Ahead of BMC Elections?

Mumbai: As municipal elections near, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faces growing speculation of a possible split. Leaders from Shiv Sena UBT, Congress, and NCP are at odds, trading blame for their poor performance in the assembly elections.

Shiv Sena UBT, amid rising tensions, has expressed its intent to contest the upcoming BMC elections independently, fueling rifts within the alliance. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar raised concerns over ongoing developments that seem to favor the Mahayuti alliance. He blamed delays in seat-sharing discussions for the defeat in the assembly elections, criticizing key figures like Nana Patole and Sanjay Raut.

While Sena's Sanjay Raut pointed to Congress' inflexibility during seat-sharing talks, he acknowledged that delays resulted in missed opportunities, ultimately impacting election results. Despite discussions around internal disagreements, especially regarding seat allocation, there’s no consensus within the MVA over strategy and coordination, with sources revealing a strained atmosphere.

Nationalist Congress Party's Sharad Pawar also seems perturbed by the lack of harmony within the alliance. MP Amol Kolhe shared concerns about Congress’s reluctance to acknowledge defeat while calling out the Sena's disengagement. As the countdown to the BMC elections begins, the big question remains: Will MVA stay united, or is a split on the horizon?