The Congress on Monday strongly criticised the Shiv Sena (UBT) over its allegation that the grand old party was using regional outfits as “crutches” and failing to treat them as “equal stakeholders” within the Opposition alliance, PTI reported.
Sawant targets Raut’s dual role
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticised an editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana, alleging that its executive editor and MP, Sanjay Raut, often appears confused between his roles as a politician and a journalist.
In a strongly worded post on X, Sawant said that while a journalist’s duty is to point out shortcomings objectively, a political spokesperson often targets opponents. Confusing the two roles, he added, leads to ignoring one’s own accountability.
‘Unilateral decisions not in alliance spirit’
According to PTI, Sawant claimed that Raut believes whatever he says is the “ultimate truth” and stressed that in an alliance like the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), all constituent parties have their own views, which must be discussed before making announcements.
“Taking unilateral decisions and then blaming Congress leaders is not in line with the spirit of alliance politics,” Sawant said, questioning whether such an approach is appropriate.
Congress calls for introspection
The Congress leader further claimed that a lack of coordination and dialogue within the alliance cost the MVA power in key civic bodies such as Mumbai and Chandrapur.
“We are sincerely fighting against the BJP and are not interested in indulging in blame games. Introspection is equally important,” he added.
Sena (UBT) editorial stresses alliance politics
As per PTI, the Shiv Sena (UBT), in its editorial, took a dig at the Congress, saying, “Those who harbour ambitions to lead the government at the Centre must not just use regional parties as crutches but treat them as equal stakeholders.”
Accommodating regional parties does not reflect weakness but political maturity, the editorial said. It added that if the Congress wants to come to power at the Centre, strong alliances in states are essential, and it should convey that, despite being a national party, it respects regional players.
Rajya Sabha, council polls spark tensions
The party’s criticism was directed at the Maharashtra Congress leadership over the recent Rajya Sabha elections and the upcoming Legislative Council polls.
While both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) were keen to contest the Rajya Sabha polls, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar emerged as the consensus candidate and was elected unopposed.
Objecting to Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal’s statement that discussions were needed for the council polls, the Sena (UBT) said the Congress appeared upset over Pawar’s stance that the NCP (SP) would support any candidate suggested by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.
“Why should Congress sulk if Pawar accepts Thackeray’s decision?” the editorial asked, adding that ignoring regional parties’ views indicates narrow-mindedness.
‘Coordination key to MVA’s past success’
“If the Congress truly wishes to come to power at the Centre, forming strong alliances in the states is the only way. Being accommodating is not a weakness; it is political maturity,” it said.
The editorial added that such maturity would reassure regional players, noting that these parties act as “loudspeakers” for local issues and communities.
It also pointed out that the MVA’s success in winning 30 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra was due to coordination and dialogue within the alliance, the news agency cited.
Sena (UBT) blames Congress for MVA’s fall
The Sena (UBT) further blamed the Congress for the current “anarchic” situation in Maharashtra, alleging that had then Assembly Speaker Nana Patole not resigned abruptly, the MVA could have remained in power for years.
It added that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has stated that all INDIA bloc parties are equal, and both Thackeray and Pawar support him in his fight.
The Sena (UBT) concluded that if there is a change in power in the state, the Congress could lead the government with support from regional allies.
(With PTI inputs)
