In a significant political development in Maharashtra, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has announced its withdrawal from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance following a controversial statement by a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray on the Babri Masjid demolition.
The controversy erupted when Milind Narvekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, shared a social media post commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. The post included a photograph of the mosque and a quote from Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray: “I am proud of those who did this.” The post also featured images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Narvekar himself.
Samajwadi Party’s Stand
The Samajwadi Party, which has two MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly, strongly condemned the post. SP state president Abu Asim Azmi stated, “Samajwadi Party can never remain with communal ideology; hence we separate ourselves from Maha Vikas Aghadi.”
Azmi criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) for promoting divisive rhetoric, saying, “An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished Babri Masjid. We are quitting the MVA. If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?”
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SP leader Rais Shaikh echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the alliance’s foundational principles of secularism. He remarked, “The MVA was formed on two key principles: protecting the Constitution and upholding secular values. If such a radical stance is adopted, parties like the Samajwadi Party will need to reconsider their position.”
MVA Under Pressure
The withdrawal of the Samajwadi Party is a blow to the already struggling opposition alliance in Maharashtra. The MVA, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, faced a dismal performance in the recent state elections. The Congress secured 16 seats, the Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20, and the NCP managed only 10 seats.
Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, achieved a decisive victory with 230 of the 288 seats.
Rising Tensions
The fallout over the Babri Masjid remark adds to the tensions within the MVA. The alliance had earlier staged a walkout during the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s oath-taking ceremony, alleging manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the elections. MVA leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray and Nana Patole of the Congress, called for a return to ballot paper voting, accusing the Election Commission of undemocratic practices.
The Samajwadi Party’s exit underscores the fragility of the MVA alliance and raises questions about its long-term viability. For the Shiv Sena (UBT), the controversy has highlighted a delicate balancing act between its ideological roots and the broader secular commitments of the opposition coalition.
As Rais Shaikh urged, “Shiv Sena should reflect on this. A minimum understanding was established to set aside radical Hindu ideologies. We want Uddhav’s Shiv Sena to address this issue and clarify why such sentiments are being expressed.”
The unfolding political drama is likely to have significant implications for the MVA’s ability to present a united front against the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra.
