Is Shiv Sena-UBT Confident in Their 30-Year Winning Streak in BMC Polls While Calling Congress a 'Tourist Party'?
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Synopsis
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey has labeled Congress a 'tourist party,' asserting its insignificance in the upcoming BMC elections. He highlights Shiv Sena's 30-year dominance in Mumbai's civic politics and expresses confidence in continuing this winning streak. With elections looming, the dynamics of party alliances and strategies are under scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- Shiv Sena (UBT) has held power in Mumbai for 30 years.
- Congress is labeled a 'tourist party' by Shiv Sena leaders.
- BMC elections are set for January 15, 2025.
- Seat-sharing talks with MNS are ongoing.
- Political dynamics in Mumbai are evolving quickly.
Mumbai, Dec 22 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey criticized the Congress party on Monday, labeling it as a "tourist party" and claiming it lacks significance in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He emphasized his party's three-decade dominance in Mumbai's local politics.
Dubey's comments followed the Congress's announcement to participate in the BMC elections independently.
He stated that while the Congress has the freedom to choose its electoral alliances, it should not overlook the support provided by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in previous contests.
In his conversation with IANS, Dubey remarked, "Congress is an independent party. It is their right to decide who to contest elections with or not. Congress contested 61 seats in Bihar, and everyone has seen how many seats it won. Congress has not been relevant in Haryana, Maharashtra, UP-Bihar for the past 35-40 years. It has also been out of power for many years in states like West Bengal, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu."
He added, "Despite this, we brought Congress into our fold in 2019 and helped it cross the midstream to the shore. But once it reached the shore, Congress leaders became arrogant. In Mumbai, Congress has no existence. Here, it is just a tourist party."
Expressing assurance in Shiv Sena (UBT)'s influence over Mumbai's politics, Dubey declared that the party would maintain its uninterrupted success in the city's civic elections.
The crucial BMC elections are set for January 15, with results to be unveiled on January 16.
He asserted, "For the last 30 years, Shiv Sena has consistently won these elections. When the results are announced on January 16, 2025, it will be shocking. Once again, a Hindu Mayor of Shiv Sena (UBT) will sit in the BMC."
Furthermore, the Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson mentioned that discussions regarding a seat-sharing arrangement with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are in progress, with an announcement expected soon.
He noted, "Sanjay Raut is in constant touch with Raj Thackeray. Seat-sharing can be finalized at any time. Details on who will contest, from where and how will be announced. The nomination process begins tomorrow and will continue for a week. During this period, many of our candidates will start filing their nominations."
Point of View
I observe that the political landscape in Mumbai is rapidly evolving. The upcoming BMC elections are critical, not only for Shiv Sena (UBT) but for all parties involved. The rhetoric around Congress as a 'tourist party' indicates a significant shift in local political dynamics. With alliances being tested and strategies unfolding, citizens must stay informed about how these events will shape their governance.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Anand Dubey say about Congress?
Anand Dubey referred to Congress as a 'tourist party' and stated it lacks relevance in the BMC elections.
How long has Shiv Sena been dominant in Mumbai's civic politics?
Shiv Sena has maintained a winning streak in Mumbai's civic politics for the past 30 years.
When are the BMC elections scheduled?
The BMC elections are scheduled for January 15, with results to be declared on January 16.
Is there any alliance being formed with other parties?
Yes, discussions regarding a seat-sharing arrangement with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are underway.
What is the significance of the upcoming BMC elections?
The elections are crucial for both Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, as they will determine the political landscape in Mumbai.
