Did the OBC Bahujan Party and Congress Form an Alliance for Local Body Elections in Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
In a significant political development in Maharashtra, the OBC Bahujan Party has joined forces with the Congress to contest local body elections, emphasizing a shared commitment to social justice. This alliance aims to address the pressing issue of caste representation and promises a united front in the upcoming electoral battle.
Key Takeaways
- The OBC Bahujan Party has allied with the Congress for local body elections.
- This alliance focuses on social justice and representation for marginalized communities.
- Elections are set for February 5, with results announced on February 7.
- Concerns regarding the OBC reservation quota were highlighted.
- Congress has previously collaborated with other parties to strengthen its position.
Mumbai, Jan 19 (NationPress) The OBC Bahujan Party, under the leadership of Prakash Shendge, has officially allied with the Congress Party. The announcement was made by Harshwardhan Sapkal, President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), who stated that this ideological alliance will contest the forthcoming elections for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti.
The elections for 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis are scheduled for February 5, with the counting of votes set for February 7.
During a press conference, Sapkal praised the alliance, stating, "This coalition is not only about political power but is anchored in a broader vision of social justice. Following Rahul Gandhi's call for a nationwide caste census, the Modi government was compelled to respond, yet the initiative remains stalled. Congress advocates for 'representation proportional to population', a principle garnering widespread support across various communities."
The MPCC chief criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of failing to fulfill longstanding commitments.
He recalled Fadnavis’s 2014 promise in Baramati to endorse Dhangar reservation with his "very first signature" upon taking office, a commitment that remains unfulfilled.
"Fadnavis has betrayed the Dhangar, OBC, Maratha, and tribal communities concerning reservations. He has fueled divisions among different castes. These communities have now lost trust in the BJP," he asserted.
Prakash Shendge raised serious concerns regarding the existing state of reservations, claiming that the 27 percent OBC quota is under constant threat and that the government continues to issue "GR after GR" (government resolutions) without providing tangible benefits to any community.
"We established this independent party to secure justice for the OBC community and chose to align with like-minded entities. We express our gratitude to Rahul Gandhi for his unwavering support for the caste census and believe that under his leadership, the OBC reservation issue will eventually be resolved," Shendge remarked.
This announcement comes in the wake of Congress’s collaboration with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi during the BMC elections, where Congress secured 24 seats.
Additionally, Sapkal honored the newly elected 30 corporators of the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation on Monday.
Point of View
The alliance between the OBC Bahujan Party and Congress signifies a strategic move aimed at consolidating support among marginalized communities. It reflects a growing concern for social justice and representation in Maharashtra's political landscape. The response from various communities will be crucial in determining the impact of this partnership in the upcoming elections.
NationPress
19/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the alliance between the OBC Bahujan Party and Congress?
The alliance aims to jointly contest the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, focusing on social justice and representation for marginalized communities.
When are the elections scheduled?
The elections for 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis are scheduled for February 5, with counting on February 7.
Who is leading the OBC Bahujan Party?
The OBC Bahujan Party is led by Prakash Shendge.
What issues were raised regarding reservations?
Concerns were raised about the 27 percent OBC quota being under threat and the lack of tangible benefits from government resolutions.
How many seats did Congress secure in the BMC elections?
Congress secured 24 seats during the BMC elections in alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi.
