After the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) lackluster performance in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has hinted at the possibility of contesting the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently.

Speaking to PTI, Raut said, “Talks are on between Uddhav Thackeray and other party leaders about whether to go solo for the BMC polls. Workers want the party to contest the polls solo.”

Raut expressed confidence in Shiv Sena (UBT)’s influence in Mumbai, asserting that the party’s base in the city remains strong. “If we had more seats to contest in Mumbai during the assembly polls, we would have won them,” he added. Raut also highlighted the strategic importance of securing Mumbai, emphasizing, “Winning Mumbai is crucial; otherwise, the city could be separated from Maharashtra.”

Historically, Shiv Sena has contested BMC and other civic body polls independently, even before its split with the BJP. However, Raut clarified that the MVA alliance would remain intact for the civic body elections in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Nashik.

The remarks come in response to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s announcement that the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP—will contest the BMC elections as a united front.

About the BMC Elections

The upcoming BMC elections hold immense significance, as the term of the previously elected representatives ended in March 2022. Since then, India’s richest municipal corporation has been functioning without elected representatives for nearly three years, including the COVID-19 period.

Shiv Sena, before its split, had controlled the BMC for an impressive 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. Whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) contests independently or as part of the MVA will significantly impact the political landscape of Mumbai.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the BJP orchestrated distractions to avoid discussing the Adani Group’s indictment in the United States. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he accused the ruling party of creating diversions to shield “Narendra Modi’s friend Gautam Adani.”

Gandhi referred to a scuffle between MPs outside Parliament, blaming BJP MPs for blocking their path. “This is a new way of creating a distraction. The main issue they are trying to hide is the legal proceedings against Adani in the United States. Modi is selling India to Adani, and the BJP doesn’t want a discussion on this,” he said.

The controversy began after allegations surfaced in the U.S. Department of Justice and SEC indictments against Gautam Adani and his associates for bribery and misleading investors. The Adani Group has denied the charges, calling them “baseless.”

Simultaneously, BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi pushed and injured its MP Pratap Sarangi during protests. Congress countered, accusing BJP MPs of manhandling LoP Mallikarjun Kharge. Both parties filed police complaints following the scuffle.

Gandhi also criticized BJP for its alleged anti-Constitutional mindset, citing Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament that appeared to downplay Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned these comments, calling them a reflection of BJP’s mindset.

The Adani issue has fueled a broader narrative about crony capitalism under the Modi government, with Gandhi consistently linking the conglomerate to the ruling party. Protests and debates in Parliament continue to highlight opposition demands for transparency.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks, accusing the BJP of harboring a “casteist” and “anti-Dalit mindset.” She alleged that the BJP “mask has fallen off” and claimed the party would have rewritten history to erase Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions if it had secured its pre-poll goal of 400 Lok Sabha seats.

Banerjee expressed her outrage, stating, “As Parliament reflects on 75 years of the Constitution, Amit Shah tarnished the occasion with derogatory remarks against Dr. Ambedkar in the temple of democracy. This reflects the BJP’s casteist and anti-Dalit ideology.” She added, “If they behave this way with 240 seats, imagine the damage they would inflict with 400 seats.”

She also criticized Shah’s comment as an attack on Dr. Ambedkar and the entire Drafting Committee of the Constitution. Her sharp remarks have ignited a political storm, with opposition parties joining the fray.

During his speech in the Rajya Sabha, Shah accused the Congress Party of turning Ambedkar’s name into a “fashion” while neglecting his ideals. He stated, “If they had invoked God’s name as much as Ambedkar’s, they would secure heaven for seven lives.” This statement led to protests in Parliament, with opposition MPs accusing Shah of disrespecting Ambedkar and holding up photos of the Constitution’s architect.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion to debate the issue. Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Shah, accusing Congress of undermining Ambedkar and questioning their genuine respect for him. Rijiju, the first Buddhist to serve as Union Law Minister since Ambedkar, highlighted the position’s significance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also supported Shah, alleging Congress has a history of disrespecting Ambedkar and neglecting SC/ST communities during its tenure. Amid the escalating tensions, both houses of Parliament were adjourned following protests by opposition members.