Congress hints at solo BMC poll bid; Bhai Jagtap seeks distance from MVA

Ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap on Wednesday advocated that the party contest independently, signalling a move away from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance comprising Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Jagtap said, “This is a battle of grassroots workers. I have said that we should contest alone. I am not the only person with this stance in the party; our Political Affairs Committee believes that Congress should go solo for the upcoming BMC elections. We’ve conveyed our stance to the top leadership, but the final call lies with the high command.”

His remarks come amid a reshuffling of alliances, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) recently joining hands with Shiv Sena (UBT). On August 15, Sanjay Raut had announced that Uddhav and Raj Thackeray would jointly contest the civic elections, banking on Marathi unity to secure victory.

Mr. Raut also addressed concerns over alleged voter list discrepancies, backing Raj Thackeray’s claim of 9.6 million bogus entries. He announced a protest march on November 1, with participation from all Opposition parties, demanding electoral transparency.

A joint delegation of Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar is expected to meet election officials to press for corrections in the voter rolls.