Congress Awaits High Command’s Decision on Raj Thackeray Joining MVA

Ahead of the upcoming local body elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly initiated talks with Congress leaders about bringing Raj Thackeray and his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) into the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, as per the report by Deccan Chronicle. However, sources indicate that state Congress leaders will consult with the party’s high command in Delhi before taking a definitive position on the proposal. A clear stance from the state unit is expected only after these internal deliberations.

Senior Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat, Vijay Wadettiwar, and Amit Patel met Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, ‘Matoshree,’ on Monday. Sources suggest that the meeting also included discussions on a possible Shiv Sena–MNS alliance. While the Congress state unit is reportedly not opposed to the idea, the final decision will rest with the central leadership in Delhi.

There are growing indications that Uddhav Thackeray may move forward with an alliance with MNS chief Raj Thackeray in the context of the upcoming municipal elections. “We will consult with the party high command before making any decision regarding MNS’s role in the state’s electoral strategy,” a Congress leader stated. Balasaheb Thorat confirmed that the meeting covered detailed discussions on the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and the potential tie-up with Raj Thackeray. “We need to take this up with the party high command, and the final decision lies with them,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Congress is also preparing to claim the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. With former minister Satej Patil emerging as the frontrunner, the party is leveraging its numerical advantage, holding eight seats compared to Shiv Sena (UBT)’s six and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction)’s two. The position became vacant following the end of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve’s term on August 29.

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Congress’s bid for the Council opposition leader post comes even as the Shiv Sena (UBT) has already laid claim to the same position in the Legislative Assembly, signaling growing tensions and power struggles among the MVA allies.