In a major setback for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, the Samajwadi Party has announced its exit following a contentious remark made by Milind Narvekar, a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, on the Babri Mosque demolition.
Controversial Post Sparks Row
The controversy erupted on the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition when Milind Narvekar posted a photo of the mosque along with a quote from Shiv Sena patriarch Balasaheb Thackeray. The statement, “I am proud of those who did this,” sparked outrage, particularly from the Samajwadi Party, which considers itself a staunch opponent of communal ideology.
Samajwadi Party’s Stand
The Samajwadi Party, which has two MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly, immediately condemned the post. Party state president Abu Asim Azmi declared, “Samajwadi Party can never remain with communal ideology; hence we separate ourselves from Maha Vikas Aghadi.”
Azmi further added that while the party is prepared to contest elections alone in Maharashtra, it cannot align with the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s communal stance within the MVA framework. He stated, “If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?”
Reaction To Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Advertisement
Azmi also criticized a newspaper advertisement reportedly issued by Shiv Sena (UBT), which congratulated those responsible for the Babri Mosque demolition. He pointed out the contradiction between the MVA’s secular ideology and the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s radical stance.
Rais Shaikh, a senior Samajwadi Party leader, echoed Azmi’s sentiments, stating, “The MVA was formed on the principles of protecting the Constitution and upholding secular values. Such radical ideologies are against the essence of the alliance.”
MVA’s Electoral Performance
The Samajwadi Party’s exit comes after a lackluster performance by the MVA in the Maharashtra elections. The Congress, contesting 103 seats, secured only 16 victories. Shiv Sena (UBT) managed to win 20 of the 89 seats it contested, while Sharad Pawar’s NCP won just 10 out of 87.
In contrast, the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Eknath Shinde‘s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, dominated the elections, securing 230 of the 288 seats.
Boycott Of Oath-Taking Ceremony
Amid the controversy, MVA leaders, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP members, boycotted the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s oath-taking ceremony. They alleged that the ruling Mahayuti coalition’s victory was manipulated through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Aditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), stated, “Democracy is being murdered by the use of EVMs. This is not the mandate of the public; it is the mandate of EVMs and the Election Commission of India.”
Other senior opposition leaders, such as Congress’s Nana Patole and NCP’s Jitendra Awhad, reiterated their demand for elections to be conducted using ballot papers instead of EVMs, citing concerns over transparency and fairness.
Mahayuti Alliance Takes The Lead
Amid the political turmoil, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar taking oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. The ceremony, held on December 5, marked the official formation of the Mahayuti government.
Samajwadi Party Questions MVA’s Direction
The Samajwadi Party has also raised concerns about the direction of the MVA alliance. Rais Shaikh remarked, “A minimum understanding was established to set aside radical ideologies, but if such a stance is adopted, parties like the Samajwadi Party will need to reconsider their position. We want Uddhav‘s Shiv Sena to address this issue and clarify why such sentiments are being expressed.”
The departure of the Samajwadi Party highlights growing fissures within the opposition alliance, particularly over ideological differences.
Future Of The MVA
The exit of the Samajwadi Party raises questions about the MVA’s stability and its ability to present a united front against the ruling Mahayuti coalition. With key allies like the Samajwadi Party distancing themselves, the alliance may face challenges in maintaining its political relevance in Maharashtra.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has yet to respond to the Samajwadi Party’s allegations, and it remains to be seen how the MVA will navigate this crisis. As Maharashtra’s political landscape continues to shift, the implications of this controversy are likely to resonate in the months ahead.