Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 9: In a move reflecting growing tensions within the opposition INDIA bloc, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) announced its support for Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. This decision, revealed Thursday, signals a departure from the Congress, an ally in Maharashtra under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Speaking in Delhi, Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai justified the decision, citing AAP’s past support for their party during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Despite being part of the INDIA alliance alongside Congress and AAP, Desai emphasized that Sena (UBT) stands with AAP for the February 5 polls.
The announcement follows similar endorsements by other INDIA bloc members, including Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, who have also thrown their weight behind AAP in Delhi.
Senior Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut reiterated that the INDIA alliance was initially formed for the Lok Sabha elections and expressed concern over the discord between AAP and Congress. “Both are key members of the bloc, but the atmosphere in Delhi favors AAP, which has the strongest footing there. Criticizing a leader like Arvind Kejriwal as a ‘traitor’ is not constructive, and we do not support such campaigning,” Raut said.
Raut further acknowledged the party’s internal dilemma, given its alliances with both AAP and Congress in different contexts. “We maintain strong relationships with both parties. However, balance and respect must be upheld in the campaigning process,” he added.
The move also aligns with Sena (UBT)’s strategic positioning ahead of the critical Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, where the party is considering a solo run. During recent review meetings, many Sena (UBT) leaders expressed a preference for contesting Maharashtra civic body elections independently rather than allying with Congress.
The Delhi Assembly elections will see a three-way battle between AAP, BJP, and Congress, with results set to be announced on February 8. The ongoing rift within the INDIA bloc raises questions about its cohesion and ability to present a united front in upcoming national and regional elections.