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Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) A major political controversy has erupted in Mumbai ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections after Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap announced that the party will contest the elections independently, ruling out any alliance with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) or Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. (UBT).
His remarks drew sharp reactions from political allies, prompting the Congress to clarify that the statement was its “personal opinion” and no official decision had been taken yet.
Jagtap had earlier claimed that the issue was discussed during a recent meeting of the newly formed committee with Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, though no formal announcement was made from the party.
Responding to Jagtap’s comment, Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) president and MP Varsha Gaikwad said the decision regarding BMC elections will be taken only by the top leadership of the party.
“Jagtap’s statement is personal, but the top leadership will play a formal role. If the top leadership says we want to contest elections in alliance, we will contest elections in alliance; if the top leadership says we want to contest elections alone, we will contest elections alone,” Gaikwad told reporters.
He further said that every leader in the party has a vision but they should follow the discipline of the organization.
Gaikwad said, “We are unable to express our personal views within the party as our party follows protocol. Every party leader has his own view. I am speaking as the Mumbai state president. Whatever the formal role of the party, you will be informed.”
Reacting sharply to this, Shiv Sena (UBT) also questioned Jagtap’s authority to make such statements.
Party MP Arvind Sawant told IANS, “Bhai Jagtap is neither the president of Mumbai Congress nor of Maharashtra Congress. He is my friend, but I do not know what position he currently holds in the party. While making such statements, he will also have to clarify what his position is.”
Sawant said, “Does Jagtap have the right to decide who should contest elections and who should not? Uddhav Thackeray will decide whether to contest elections together or separately, and we all should respect whatever decision Uddhav Thackeray takes.”
Meanwhile, the ruling Shiv Sena hit out at the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), accusing it of compromising ideology for power.
Speaking to IANS, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said, “Even though this is their internal matter, the real question is what is left for the Congress? There is nothing left; their ship has already sunk.”
“However, with this, the Congress has shown Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS their true positions. This is a clear case of a use-and-throw policy – they come together only when they need power without any ideology or structure. Unlike the opposition, I can proudly say that the Mahayuti alliance has never compromised on its principles,” she said.
–IANS
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