Rift Deepens in Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra, Will Samajwadi Party Exit Alliance?

The political alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra faces fresh turmoil as the Samajwadi Party (SP) openly criticized the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) for its renewed focus on Hindutva. This disagreement has brought the alliance's internal discord to the forefront, with the Samajwadi Party signaling its intent to part ways.

Discontent Over Hindutva Emphasis

The Maharashtra Samajwadi Party President, Abu Azmi, has expressed dissatisfaction with Shiv Sena (UBT)’s alleged shift toward Hindutva rhetoric. He accused Uddhav Thackeray of rekindling Hindutva issues post the assembly election loss, making it untenable for the Samajwadi Party to continue in the MVA alliance.

Azmi remarked, "The Shiv Sena (UBT) is highlighting Hindutva again. Statements like these are against our party's secular principles. It's challenging to remain in an alliance where such ideologies are promoted."

Akhilesh Yadav informed

Azmi stated that he has briefed Samajwadi Party's national president, Akhilesh Yadav, about the situation. He is confident that Yadav will support the decision to leave the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Once the national leadership approves, a formal announcement will follow.

Long-Standing Grievances

The Samajwadi Party’s grievances with the alliance stem not only from ideological differences but also from political sidelining. Azmi highlighted how the MVA allotted his party only two seats during the assembly elections without proper consultation.

“We tolerated being sidelined during seat distribution. However, Uddhav Thackeray’s recent statements and actions, such as celebrating those linked to the Babri Masjid demolition, have crossed a line. As a secular party, we cannot support such a stance,” he emphasized.

Babri Masjid Controversy

Azmi criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) for congratulatory gestures toward those associated with the demolition of the Babri Masjid. He pointed to a newspaper advertisement by Shiv Sena (UBT) and a social media post by one of its leaders celebrating the demolition, equating this rhetoric with the BJP's communal agenda.

"If a major party in MVA speaks this language, how are they different from the BJP? We cannot align ourselves with such communal ideology," Azmi stated.

"Ready to go alone"

The Samajwadi Party’s discontent was also echoed on social media. Azmi wrote, "Samajwadi Party can never align with communal ideologies. We are separating ourselves from the Maha Vikas Aghadi. We are ready to go alone in Maharashtra rather than compromise our secular stance."

Future of the Alliance

Azmi clarified that the decision to stay in the MVA now rests with Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. However, the Samajwadi Party is firm in its stance to exit, irrespective of electoral consequences.

He further remarked, "The world observes December 6 as Black Day, but leaders of Uddhav Thackeray’s party celebrate those involved in demolishing the Babri Masjid. We cannot stay in such an alliance, even if it costs us politically."

Implications

The growing rift between the Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) highlights the fragile nature of opposition alliances in Maharashtra. With ideological differences overshadowing political unity, the future of Maha Vikas Aghadi hangs in the balance, raising questions about its viability as a cohesive opposition front. 

PRAKSH KUMAR PANDEY