Do Local Units in Maharashtra Congress Wish to Contest Independently?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Congress local units advocate for independence in local elections.
- No final decision on alliances has been reached yet.
- The MNS is currently not part of the MVA coalition.
- All-party delegation to meet on voter list concerns.
- Congress accuses the government of neglecting farmers and the unemployed.
Mumbai, Oct 13 (NationPress) The Congress party in Maharashtra announced on Monday that local branches are eager to contest the forthcoming local body elections independently, though a definitive decision has not yet been reached.
Ramesh Chennithala, the AICC in-charge for Maharashtra, stated, “These elections concern local governance, and we've empowered local units to determine their alliances. Indeed, our Mumbai unit, along with others statewide, believes these elections should be fought independently. We value their input, but a conclusive decision remains pending.”
When asked about the status of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which collaborated during the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, Chennithala remarked, “Local elections are fundamentally about local dynamics and the perspectives of local entities.”
Regarding the prospect of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, joining the opposition MVA, he indicated that no discussions have occurred. “Currently, MNS is not affiliated with the MVA. I lack the foresight to predict what will happen, so I can only address the current situation. As it stands, there have been no talks or proposals regarding MNS joining the MVA,” he clarified.
On October 14, an all-party delegation is set to meet the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra to address concerns about the electoral rolls. Chennithala noted, “I had a conversation with Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena -UBT MP), and he confirmed that it will be an all-party delegation. Invitations have also been extended to Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. The voters' list issue was first raised by our leader, Rahul Gandhi, and we intend to be part of this delegation,” he mentioned, adding that veteran party leader Balasaheb Thorat and Varsha Gaikwad, the Mumbai Congress chief, will represent the party.
He also stated that the state president is traveling to Delhi for party matters, hence these two leaders will attend.
Meanwhile, following a political affairs committee meeting of the state Congress, Chennithala accused the MahaYuti government of failing farmers, women, and the unemployed in Maharashtra. “Instead of providing necessary aid to farmers during crises, the government has proposed a deceptive package that merely consolidates existing schemes. The MahaYuti government has not even addressed the issue of a farmer loan waiver,” he asserted.
“The government is silent regarding the Rs 2100 under the Ladki Bahin scheme. The Congress party plans to organize protests and marches to hold the government accountable for the people's concerns in the state,” he concluded.