Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: The Samajwadi Party (SP) announced its exit from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra following a controversial social media post by Milind Narvekar, a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray. The post, shared on the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition, quoted Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray saying, “I am proud of those who did this,” alongside images of Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray.
The SP, which has two MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly, stated that the post and the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s stance contradict the alliance’s founding principles of secularism and constitutional protection.
“Samajwadi Party can never remain with communal ideology, hence we separate ourselves from Maha Vikas Aghadi,” declared SP state president Abu Asim Azmi, emphasizing that the party would rather contest elections alone than compromise on its values.
MVA’s Fallout
The MVA, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP, was already under strain after its dismal performance in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, the Congress secured 16, and the NCP managed 10 out of 288 constituencies.
SP leaders Abu Asim Azmi and Rais Shaikh criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) for failing to uphold the alliance’s secular vision. Azmi said, “If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?”
Demand for Accountability
Samajwadi leader Rais Shaikh called on Uddhav Thackeray’s party to clarify its stance and address the divisive rhetoric. “A minimum understanding was established to set aside radical ideologies. If such a stance is adopted, parties like the SP will need to reconsider their position,” he said.
The SP’s decision came amid a broader protest by MVA MLAs, who boycotted the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s oath-taking ceremony. Opposition leaders accused the ruling Mahayuti coalition of manipulating Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and demanded elections via ballot papers.
Mahayuti Alliance Strengthens Hold
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, secured a landslide victory with 230 seats. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister, with Shinde and Pawar taking oaths as Deputy Chief Ministers on December 5.
