MVA Eyes United Front for Maharashtra Civic Polls

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar announced that the Maha Vikas Aghadi is considering contesting Maharashtra's upcoming civic elections collaboratively. Despite the absence of discussions with Congress, parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and Shetkari Kamgar Paksh might unite for the polls. Additionally, Pawar argued for keeping Hindi optional in educational curricula.

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar revealed on Friday that Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) plans to collaborate for the forthcoming civic elections. The coalition, including the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), aims to explore joint efforts despite a lack of talks with Congress. A formal decision remains pending.

This initiative follows the Supreme Court's directive for local elections in Maharashtra. While the idea of a united contest in Mumbai hasn't been discussed, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s significant influence in the city suggests their pivotal role in the decision-making process. Historically, the Shiv Sena has controlled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for over two decades.

The upcoming elections are seen as a key contest post-last assembly elections where MVA secured only 46 out of 288 seats. On another note, responding to discussions on Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra's schools, Pawar advocated for its optional status to coexist with Marathi, opposing any mandatory imposition.