Congress rules out MNS tie-up; Pawar may mediate with Sena (UBT)

The Congress in Maharashtra has ruled out any poll alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), saying it cannot join hands with forces that stir communal violence. Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad emphasized that the party had not been consulted about a potential partnership with the MNS and that its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally, Shiv Sena (UBT), had not approached them. “We have made our stance clear. We cannot go with divisive forces. We cannot go with forces that stir violence, incite communal violence,” Gaikwad said. She added that the Congress is keen to ally with the NCP (SHRI) led by Sharad Pawar, noting a recent delegation met him to discuss misunderstandings from the last elections and to seek guidance for upcoming polls. “We are natural allies. We would like to fight the elections together,” she stated. A Sena (UBT) leader indicated the party is in discussions with the Congress and would involve the high command if necessary, signaling ongoing attempts to keep the MVA coalition intact. On the other hand, Pawar chose restraint, explaining that local body elections are decided at the local level and that he would speak with local leaders before commenting further; he has called for a meeting to take stock of the situation. The MNS has remained uncommitted, with party leader Sandeep Deshpande saying the final call will come from Raj Thackeray. Meanwhile, Sena (UBT) leaders expressed confidence that Pawar would mediate with the Congress to bring the MNS on board, underscoring the possibility of a negotiated path forward. As Mumbai readies for local body elections, the evolving talks reflect a delicate balance between maintaining ideological clarity and seeking a consolidated front against the BJP.

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