Sanjay Raut Calls for Unified Opposition in Mumbai Civic Polls

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, stresses the importance of Opposition unity to defeat BJP in Maharashtra's civic polls, urging Congress' Marathi leaders to recognize the threat to Mumbai. His remarks follow Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap's statement about not allying with Shiv Sena (UBT) or MNS for the polls.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut underscored the necessity for Opposition unity in the forthcoming Maharashtra civic polls, specifically targeting the BJP for defeat. Raut emphasized the role of the Congress' Marathi leadership in identifying and countering the threats to Mumbai's political landscape.

His statements came as a response to Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap's declaration that the Congress would not form an alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) or Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the Mumbai civic elections. The Rajya Sabha member insisted that discussions about pre-poll alliances should involve the central Congress leadership.

Raut articulated the historical context of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti as a precedent for unified action to protect Marathi interests in Mumbai. He criticized the Congress leadership for divisions and reiterated the urgency of a united front to safeguard democracy and Mumbai from powerful corporate interests.

(With inputs from agencies.)