In a significant political move, the Indian National Congress has declared it will contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, launching a sharp critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for engaging in what it calls 'divisive' and 'hate-driven' politics that harms Mumbai.
Congress Takes a Stand on Mumbai's Future
The announcement was made on Monday, a day after the party's decision to go solo was revealed. AICC Secretary and Co-In-Charge of Telangana, Sachin Sawant, articulated the party's position, emphasizing that for Mumbai's future, development, cooperation, and inclusiveness are paramount. He stated that the Congress will not compromise on its core constitutional, democratic, and secular ideology.
"For Mumbai’s future, development is more important than compromise, cooperation is more important than hatred, and inclusiveness is more important than division," Sawant asserted. He committed that the Congress would independently form alliances with like-minded parties to ensure the electoral focus remains on development rather than disputes.
Accusations of Polarisation and Neglect of Real Issues
Sawant directly accused the BJP of attempting to create religious divisions in the city for political gain. "We oppose and reject BJP’s politics of religious polarisation. The BJP is attempting to create Hindu–Muslim divisions in Mumbai for political gain," he charged. He argued that instead of addressing critical civic issues such as roads, water, healthcare, education, housing, and pollution, the BJP is pushing an election narrative based solely on religion.
Simultaneously, the Congress leader condemned the MNS for damaging Mumbai's social fabric. "At the same time, the MNS has created fear and hatred under the guise of promoting Marathi pride, damaging Mumbai’s social harmony," Sawant said. While affirming that the Congress values Marathi pride, he clarified that hatred, violence, and discrimination against other linguistic groups is not the way. The party cannot accept the MNS's history of violence, he added.
A Solo Path Forward
This decision marks a strategic distancing from its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray. This move comes amidst speculation that Shiv Sena (UBT) is considering an alliance with Raj Thackeray's MNS for the Mumbai civic polls. The Congress's stance was reinforced by Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday, who stated that the party would contest the local body polls independently, respecting the wishes of its local unit.
Sawant concluded by reiterating that parties focusing on religion, language, and caste have no concern for the real problems facing Mumbaikars. He promised that the Congress would center its election campaign on these pressing, real-life issues affecting the city's residents.
