India Morning News
Mumbai: A political debate has begun within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over whether the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) should be included in the alliance for the upcoming BMC elections. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad has opposed working with MNS, while leaders such as Vijay Wadettiwar and Sharad Pawar are open to the idea.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticised the Congress stand, saying Shiv Sena and MNS are already aligned, and that people also want both parties to come together. He added that no approval from Delhi or any high command is needed for this partnership. According to Raut, the Thackeray brothers will contest the Mumbai elections jointly, and several smaller parties are ready to support them.
Meanwhile, some Congress leaders feel the party should contest alone in Mumbai instead of depending on MNS. However, Wadettiwar has indicated that a joint fight would be more effective against the BJP.
All eyes are now on the final decision of the Mumbai Congress leadership.
