Crack in MVA: SP decides to walk out of MVA after Babri demolition post by Uddhav’s aide returning to Hindutva.

Samajwadi Party Exits MVA Over Sena-UBT’s Remarks On Babri Masjid Demolition, Abu Azmi Casts Doubt Over Alliance’s Survival.

The Samajwadi Party has announced its exit from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance due to Shiv Sena (UBT) praising the Babri Masjid demolition in order to return its original Hindutva stand, Maharashtra unit president Azmi announced. 

Abu Azmi, SP Chief in Maharashtra.

Rupali Singh | HENB | Mumbai | Dec 7, 2024:: The Samajwadi Party (SP) has withdrawn from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance due to contentious remarks made by a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who praised the Babri Masjid demolition in a social media post and a newspaper advertisement. This move follows a series of events that have intensified rifts within the opposition alliance.

Abu Azmi, the Maharashtra SP unit chief, condemned the advertisement and the social media post, questioning the difference between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP. “If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between them and the BJP? Why should we stay with them?” Azmi asked.

The controversy began when Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar shared an image of the Babri mosque demolition alongside a quote from Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, stating, “I am proud of those who did this”. Such staunch Hindutva stance of Shiv Sena (UBT) was not accepted by Samajwadi Party. The SP holds two MLAs in Maharashtra and has decided to exit the MVA due to the party’s stance on the issue.

This development reflects tensions within the opposition alliance, influenced by strategic considerations for future elections. Political analysts suggest that the SP’s withdrawal may be strategically aligned with upcoming civic body elections, intending to reposition itself.

“We cannot tolerate this,” said Azmi. He also explained that the party had already faced issues with coordination during seat-sharing and campaigning within the MVA. After their defeat in the assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray reportedly instructed party members to aggressively pursue a Hindutva agenda. Azmi pointed to a social media post by Shiv Sena (UBT) on December 6, which expressed support for the Babri mosque demolition, as a tipping point.

Azmi confirmed the party’s exit from the alliance, adding, “We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav.”

The rift within MVA deepened as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut acknowledged Bal Thackeray’s role in the demolition. Other MVA allies, like the NCP, also criticized Shiv Sena (UBT)’s stance. This development may significantly impact Maharashtra’s political landscape, potentially weakening the opposition alliance.

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__Inputs from ANI.