Is Congress Joining Forces with SS-UBT to Safeguard 'Maharashtra Dharma'?

Mumbai, May 16 (NationPress) In a bold statement against the BJP, the Maharashtra Congress has declared its support for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in the ongoing battle to safeguard democracy, the Constitution, and Maharashtra Dharma. After a meeting at 'Matoshree', state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal remarked, "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intent on dismantling Maharashtra Dharma and eroding the Constitution and democratic frameworks. In response, the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the INDIA bloc are collaborating closely. We stand with any party that joins our cause against the BJP. Our alliance with Shiv Sena is crucial to defend democracy, the Constitution, and Maharashtra Dharma."

Sapkal, who had a discussion with NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar recently, described his meeting with Thackeray as a courtesy exchange where several topics were addressed "in a positive manner."

He emphasized that the philosophies of Prabodhankar Thackeray, a notable writer and social reformer, are still significant today.

According to Sapkal, in his writings, Prabodhankar Thackeray articulated the essence of what Maharashtra Dharma should represent.

"In stark contrast to the principles outlined in his book 'Devancha Dharm va Dharmachi Devale', the BJP is pursuing a path of religious destruction. The BJP stands against democracy and the Constitution. To preserve our democracy, the Constitution, and Maharashtra Dharma rooted in the ideals of Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, a unified movement is essential in the days to come. We also discussed the forthcoming local self-government elections," he added.

Sapkal mentioned that Congress has empowered its local leaders to make decisions regarding alliances for the approaching civic and local body elections.

Once the official notification is released, the allied parties will convene to make collective decisions.

During the visit, Uddhav Thackeray presented Sapkal with a photography book on Lonar Lake, a caricature collection by Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, and a book showcasing images from the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage. In reciprocation, Sapkal gifted Thackeray a book focused on Rahul Gandhi, the current Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

This meeting came shortly after veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram expressed doubts about the cohesiveness of the INDIA bloc, stating he was uncertain if the opposition alliance remained intact.

"If the alliance is entirely solid, I would be delighted. However, it appears to be fraying at the edges," he commented.

Nonetheless, he expressed hope that the alliance could still be reformed, noting that there is still time.