Congress Should Compete Independently in Maharashtra Local Body Elections: Bhai Jagtap Responds to Shiv Sena-UBT's Solo Strategy
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Mumbai, Jan 11 (NationPress) In the wake of the Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, tensions are escalating within the opposition coalition after Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut proclaimed that his party will participate in the forthcoming municipal elections in Mumbai and Nagpur independently. In reaction, Congress's Bhai Jagtap has advocated for his party to adopt a similar approach.
Raut argued that the lack of growth opportunities for party members within the alliance and the need for organizational development were pivotal reasons for Shiv Sena-UBT's decision to contest alone, which raises concerns about the cohesion of the opposition alliance.
In a discussion with IANS, Jagtap referred to Raut’s statements, saying: “Sanjay Raut holds daily press conferences, so he needs something to say. However, this is a serious concern. We collaborated during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. The perspective of (SS-UBT chief) Uddhav Thackeray on this issue is essential.”
Reflecting on his past as the President of the Mumbai unit of Congress, Jagtap stated: “I have always maintained that local elections should be approached based on the specific circumstances. I pushed for Congress to run independently at the regional level. Nonetheless, the Congress leadership has not expressed any stance on this.”
He recognized that, traditionally, both Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT have contested regional elections separately.
However, he stressed that the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections hold a unique significance, attracting considerable public attention.
While Jagtap acknowledged that the INDIA bloc has consistently supported Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he emphasized the necessity of considering Uddhav Thackeray's opinion.
He reiterated his personal conviction, stating: “Congress should compete independently, as our workers have dedicated themselves tirelessly. Reviewing past results, Congress has excelled in these elections. This holds substantial importance for our workers, and I have always believed that Congress should stand alone.”
