In an especially dramatic turn of events, the Samajwadi Party has finally decided to formally end its association with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra. The decision is consequent to a controversial speech by Uddhav Thackeray’s confidante, Milind Narvekar, in reference to the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Narvekar retweeted an expression on social media base on the past Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s statement, which raised dispute.
Samajwadi party Maharashtra president Abu Asim Azmi has announced the exit, stressing the party’s commitment to secularism, the Party announced on Wednesday. “Samajwadi Party can never stand with communal ideologies. We are separating from the MVA,” Azmi stated. The party, consisting of two MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly, had always been a key coalition partner.
Samajwadi Party quits MVA, President Azmi raises question over Babri Masjid’s demolition
Adding to the furor, Narvekar’s post, containing pictures of Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray, went viral. Azmi questioned the MVA’s stance, arguing, “If such remarks are made within the alliance, how are they different from BJP?”. He also disclosed the internal discussion with party head Akhilesh Yadav to make a final decision.
The MVA, formed to oust the BJP-led administration, is now questioned on the front of its unity and ideological homogeneity. Chairs of other MVA, from the Congress to the NCP, went to the Assembly’s oath-taking ceremony for the street fight after maneuvers in the recent election, they claim.
The Samajwadi party’s pullout casts shadows over the stability of the alliance as well as its prospects to stand as one against the dominant Mahayuti alliance, etc. For the moment, the political situation of Maharashtra seems to be markedly polarized with ideological dichotomies surfacing.
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