Political Games: Maharashtra's Civic Poll Chessboard

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleges that the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra deliberately excludes the Ajit Pawar-led NCP from civic poll tie-ups to divide secular votes. The BJP and Shiv Sena will contest upcoming elections together, while Congress stresses avoiding vote division to hinder BJP's electoral strategy.

Maharashtra politics heats up as Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accuses the ruling Mahayuti alliance of strategically sidelining the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in upcoming civic polls. Wadettiwar claims this move aims to fragment secular votes, particularly affecting the Congress party.

The BJP and Shiv Sena are set to contest the 29 municipal corporation elections together, excluding the NCP, particularly in the high-stakes Mumbai civic body elections. Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam confirmed the party's decision not to collaborate with Ajit Pawar's faction.

Wadettiwar criticized the BJP's alleged double standards, accusing them of polarizing politics for electoral gains. He highlighted other issues, including OBC reservation and local incidents, suggesting a range of political and social challenges faced by the state's opposition parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)