In a significant political move following its poor performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress has announced that it will contest the upcoming Mumbai civic body polls independently. The decision marks a notable shift within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), where the party is a key member.
Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the decision was taken after “extensive consultation with local leaders, district units, and the central leadership”. However, senior party figures privately indicated that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s sharpened focus on Marathi identity and its rhetoric around “outsiders” played a major role in shaping the Congress’ stance.
Sawant asserted that the Congress had taken the step on ideological grounds. “Congress has never compromised on ideology. Our politics is rooted in constitutional values, equality, and inclusivity,” he said. He added that the party had consistently opposed the MNS’ language-centred politics and its history of physical aggression. “We are proud of the Marathi identity… but we reject any politics that insults other languages or attacks other people,” he said, recalling repeated assaults on migrant workers by MNS cadres.
Arguing that the “outsider” narrative harmed both non-Maharashtrian migrants and people from Maharashtra working in other states, Sawant said: “Those who move out of Maharashtra to work elsewhere face the consequences of this rhetoric.”
He also criticised the BJP for fostering polarisation between Hindu and Muslim communities, warning that such politics ultimately destabilises Mumbai’s economic environment. Sawant pointed to long-standing civic issues, poor roads, street vendor grievances, corruption, deficiencies in education and healthcare, and rising pollution, as areas that deserved serious attention instead of “divisive identity-driven debates”.
Mumbai Congress president and MP Varsha Gaikwad had also remarked recently that “certain parties”, in a clear reference to the MNS, “take the law into their own hands”.
Responding briefly, MNS Mumbai chief Sandeep Deshpande said, “Everyone knows the Congress’ history… whom they have hit and killed; we are aware. I wish them well.”
The Congress’ announcement coincided with the death anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, where his sons once again came together to pay their respects at his memorial at Shivaji Park. So far, the MVA partners, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar), have not issued any formal response to the Congress’ decision to go solo.
