Congress Stands Firm on Uddhav Thackeray Alliance, Excludes Ajit Pawar's NCP from Zilla Parishad Plans
The Maharashtra Congress unit has made its position clear. It will not enter into any alliance involving the ruling Mahayuti parties for the upcoming zilla parishad elections. The party's alliance with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena UBT remains strong and intact across the state.
Clear Stance from Maharashtra Congress Chief
Maharashtra Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal stated the party's position firmly. "We have maintained our stand right from municipal council polls," Sapkal said. "It remained the same in municipal corporation elections too. And it will not change in the upcoming zilla parishad polls as well."
Sapkal emphasized that the Congress is ready to ally with any party from the Maha Vikas Aghadi. This decision will follow suggestions from local party units. However, the Congress will not ally with the BJP, the Shiv Sena, or the NCP that are part of the ruling coalition.
No Alliance with Ajit Pawar's NCP
Speaking after reviewing party preparations for zilla parishad elections in twelve districts, Sapkal made an important clarification. The Congress will stay away from any alliance that includes the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. This holds true regardless of which other parties might join such an alliance.
His statement comes amid reports suggesting a possible tie-up between the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) for rural local body polls. Sapkal dismissed such possibilities for his party.
"The alliance can only be with those in MVA or like-minded parties," Sapkal declared. He added that local units would take the final call on zilla parishad alliances. This approach mirrors what was done during urban local body polls.
Congress-Shiv Sena UBT Alliance Remains Strong
Responding to questions about the future of the Congress-Shiv Sena UBT alliance, Sapkal provided reassurance. The two parties fought separately in the Mumbai civic polls, but they continue to work together elsewhere.
"We are coming together in the Parbhani Municipal Corporation to win the mayoral post," Sapkal explained. "We are with Uddhav Thackeray everywhere else. There seems to be no reason that we will break it."
This statement reinforces the stability of the political partnership between Congress and Shiv Sena UBT in Maharashtra.
Additional Criticism from Congress Leader
Earlier during his address, Sapkal criticized the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. He accused them of destroying the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi.
"It was built by Maharashtra's daughter and our pride, Ahilyadevi Holkar," Sapkal said. "The BJP government in the state and at the Centre must answer for the destruction it has caused to this holy place."
The Congress leader warned of potential agitation over this issue, showing the party's willingness to take up matters beyond immediate electoral politics.
The Congress position creates clear political boundaries ahead of important rural elections. The party maintains its commitment to existing alliances while firmly excluding partnerships with ruling coalition parties.
