Is There a Proposal to Include MNS in MVA?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- No current proposal to include MNS in MVA.
- Coalition members emphasize strategic discussions before decisions.
- Outcome of Bihar elections may influence future collaborations.
- Coordination committee to address any internal disagreements.
- Parties remain united against BJP in future elections.
Mumbai, Nov 11 (NationPress) As local body elections approach, the members of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), convened and declared that currently, there is no proposal to integrate the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) into their alliance.
State Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal mentioned, “I have previously indicated as the state president that a decision will be made following discussions.”
This statement follows a denial from the party about any collaboration with MNS in Nashik for local and civic body elections, after local leaders announced such an alliance on Monday.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray participated in an Opposition delegation that recently addressed the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and the State Election Commissioner (SEC) to bring attention to inaccuracies in the electoral rolls, particularly concerning duplicate and fraudulent voters.
Thackeray was also part of the Opposition protest held on November 1 regarding the same matter. However, Sapkal noticeably did not attend the morcha and was absent from meetings with the CEO and SEC.
According to Congress insiders, the decision regarding MNS’s inclusion will be determined after the results of the Bihar Assembly elections.
State NCP chief Shashikant Shinde, after the meeting, informed reporters, “No proposal has been presented to the Maha Vikas Aghadi for including MNS. Should any proposal arise, we will convene to discuss and make a decision.”
Shinde and Sapkal's remarks are significant, especially since Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has previously indicated that he and MNS chief Raj Thackeray aim to unite and hinted at contesting the upcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections together.
Beyond Shinde and Sapkal, NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parab were also present during the MVA meeting.
Regarding the MVA allies collaborating for the local and civic body elections, Sapkal stated, “During today’s meeting, it was agreed that should any disagreements arise within the MVA or if candidate discussions are necessary, a coordination committee will be established and authorized to make decisions.
“A state-level coordination committee comprising our allies and Maha Vikas Aghadi representatives will be formed. Should any challenges or disagreements emerge, this committee will have the power to resolve them and make decisions. In-depth discussions were held at today’s meeting on how to prepare for the upcoming elections.”
Sapkal emphasized, “We stand united as Maha Vikas Aghadi and India Alliance. We have previously contested Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections together. We are prepared to face future elections collectively as well. Our collaboration is focused on challenging the BJP both in the state and nationwide.”
Sapkal noted, “The deadline to submit nominations for the Nagar Panchayat and Municipal elections is November 17. Afterward, we will reconvene to discuss any proposals regarding MNS at that time.”