Congress's Dilemma: Alliance with MNS Stirs Debate in Maharashtra

The Congress party in Maharashtra is facing internal discord over whether to align with Raj Thackeray's MNS for upcoming local polls. Senior leader Vijay Wadettiwar supports unity for defeating BJP but faces opposition from state Congress leaders, who oppose alliances with aggressive parties like MNS.

The Congress party in Maharashtra is grappling with internal divisions regarding a potential alliance with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for upcoming municipal elections. Senior party leader Vijay Wadettiwar advocates for a united opposition to challenge the ruling BJP, despite differing opinions within the party ranks regarding collaboration with MNS.

State Congress leaders remain firm on not compromising the party's core ideology for alliances and have explicitly stated their disapproval of joining forces with parties like MNS, given their history of violent agitations. Meanwhile, Wadettiwar emphasizes the need for political unity to counter the BJP's influence in the poll arena.

Critics, including senior BJP figures, have slammed Congress's perceived political flexibility, accusing the party of convenient shifts in stance to navigate electoral waters. This comes amid alleged attempts by the BJP to alter voter perception through dubious means as civic polls approach.

(With inputs from agencies.)