Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday criticised the Indian National Congress for its approach towards alliance partners in Maharashtra, urging it to adopt a more inclusive stance if it aims to return to power at the Centre.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party termed Congress’s attitude as “narrow-minded,” particularly for maintaining distance from its allies in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on key issues. The editorial also expressed concern over remarks made by Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal, who reportedly raised objections to the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) supporting Shiv Sena (UBT)’s claim to a Legislative Council seat.
The criticism comes amid ongoing seat-sharing discussions within the MVA ahead of the upcoming Council elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) had earlier relinquished its claim to a Rajya Sabha seat that the alliance was likely to secure, and instead staked its claim to the lone Legislative Council seat for party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
The editorial emphasised that while Congress leadership under Rahul Gandhi is striving to strengthen the party, focusing solely on individual seat gains could hinder broader political objectives. It argued that achieving national power would require a united front and stronger coordination among alliance partners.
Shiv Sena (UBT) reiterated that maintaining cohesion within the alliance is crucial, warning that internal differences could weaken the opposition’s chances both in Maharashtra and at the national level.