Samajwadi Party Exits Maha Vikas Aghadi Alliance Over Shiv Sena (UBT) Controversy
Team Finance Saathi
08/Dec/2024

What's covered under the Article:
- The Samajwadi Party exits Maharashtra’s MVA alliance over controversial comments from Shiv Sena (UBT) on the Babri Masjid demolition.
- NCP’s Sharad Pawar reaffirms Samajwadi Party’s commitment to opposition unity despite the exit.
- Congress leaders indicate willingness to resolve the issue with the Samajwadi Party amid growing tensions in the INDIA bloc.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) officially pulled out of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra on Saturday, citing communal remarks made by a senior member of its ally, Shiv Sena (UBT). The decision was prompted by an advertisement in a newspaper that congratulated the individuals responsible for the demolition of the Babri Masjid, a controversial and sensitive issue in Indian politics. Milind Narvekar, a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, had also posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing support for the demolition, further escalating tensions.
The Trigger: The Babri Masjid Advertisement and Its Fallout
The dispute began earlier this week when Milind Narvekar, a key Shiv Sena (UBT) aide, hailed the demolition of the Babri Masjid. A newspaper advertisement by the Shiv Sena (UBT) praised those behind the demolition, which led to a backlash within the Samajwadi Party. Abu Azmi, the Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra state chief, announced the party’s withdrawal from the MVA, questioning the alliance’s unity and its commitment to secular values.
He criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) for promoting such communal language, stating, “If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?” Azmi called for the Congress to reassess its alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, questioning whether it could continue to partner with a group endorsing such views.
Opposition Unity at Risk
Despite the rift with Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar emphasized that the Samajwadi Party remained committed to opposition unity, especially in light of the INDIA bloc’s efforts to challenge the ruling BJP at the national level. Pawar stated that the SP’s central leadership was "firm on opposition unity," indicating the party’s broader alignment with the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) coalition.
Congress’s Response and Potential Resolution
In response to the SP's exit, Congress leaders have signaled a willingness to discuss the matter and work toward resolving the rift. The Congress party, a key member of the MVA, has shown interest in troubleshooting the situation, with discussions likely to focus on maintaining unity within the opposition camp and ensuring the future viability of the alliance. However, the controversy around the Babri Masjid remains a key point of contention, raising questions about the alliance's ability to function effectively moving forward.
Tensions within the INDIA Bloc
The developments in Maharashtra come at a time when tensions are also brewing within the broader INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge the BJP in the upcoming elections. Earlier, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee had also expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the INDIA bloc, adding to the growing concerns over opposition coordination and strategy. The SP’s exit from the MVA highlights the fragility of such coalitions, with issues of ideological alignment and leadership playing a central role.
The Road Ahead for the MVA and Opposition Unity
As the Samajwadi Party exits the MVA, questions remain about the future of the alliance and the broader opposition unity efforts. The Congress will need to mediate between the Samajwadi Party and its allies to prevent further fragmentation, while Sharad Pawar and other opposition leaders will have to work quickly to mend relationships and ensure that the INDIA bloc remains intact. The focus will also shift to whether Shiv Sena (UBT) can address the communal allegations and restore trust within the MVA.
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