Uddhav Thackeray Faces Pressure To Exit MVA After Defeat In Maharashtra Assembly Election
Uddhav Thackeray Faces Pressure To Exit MVA After Defeat In Maharashtra Assembly Election
New Delhi: Following the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) significant defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, internal dissent within Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has grown louder. Reports suggest a strong push from party MLAs and grassroots workers to sever ties with Congress and the NCP, advocating for an independent political path.
In a meeting held on Monday, a majority of the 20 Sena (UBT) MLAs reportedly urged Thackeray to reconsider the alliance, which has faced criticism for failing to counter Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction that secured 57 seats in the polls. Sources claim that many Sena (UBT) workers feel their presence was overshadowed within the coalition, raising doubts about the alliance’s effectiveness.
Despite the pressure, Uddhav Thackeray, along with senior leaders Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, remains committed to preserving the MVA alliance, emphasizing the need to present a united opposition against the BJP. However, the dissent within the party reflects growing frustration over electoral setbacks.
Speaking on the matter, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve acknowledged the internal sentiment, stating, “Many party workers believe we should contest elections independently, even if it means being out of power. Shiv Sena was born from an ideology, not a hunger for power.”
State Congress President Nana Patole responded diplomatically, noting that every party member has the right to express their opinion. Similarly, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar hinted at internal discussions within his party about future election strategies, including the possibility of contesting separately.
This electoral debacle has also reignited criticism of Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, particularly his deviation from Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s staunch Hindutva ideology by aligning with the Congress. Analysts believe this alliance shift allowed Eknath Shinde and the BJP to consolidate the Hindu voter base, weakening the MVA’s position.
Adding to the MVA’s troubles, NCP Chief Whip Anil Patil revealed concerns about defections, claiming that “five to six MLAs could cross over to the BJP-led Mahayuti in the coming months.”
In the recently concluded elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats. Its allies—Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction—secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Meanwhile, the MVA saw lackluster results, with Sena (UBT) winning 20 seats, Congress 16, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction only 10.
With calls for an independent political course growing, Uddhav Thackeray faces a pivotal decision that could shape the future of his party and its role in Maharashtra’s politics.
