Today in Politics: Maharashtra Congress leaders to meet to decide party’s course in BMC polls

By | July 7, 2025
Congress leaders discussing BMC elections strategy in Maharashtra

Mumbai, July 7 – The Maharashtra Congress is holding a crucial meeting today. Its leaders will decide whether to contest the upcoming BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) elections alone or stay with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. The decision is expected to shape the party’s political direction in urban Maharashtra.

High Command Leads the Talks

The meeting is being led by Ramesh Chennithala, the AICC general secretary in charge of Maharashtra. Other key leaders present include former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Rajani Patil, Nana Patole, and other members of the Political Affairs Committee.

The discussions go beyond just seat-sharing. The party is also reviewing its ideological position and how strong it is on the ground in Mumbai.

Going Solo or Staying in Alliance?

Many Congress leaders believe the party should contest the BMC elections on its own. They argue that going solo will help rebuild the organization. Prithviraj Chavan has said there is a “very strong opinion” within the state unit that supports an independent contest.

Some leaders feel that alliances have weakened Congress’s identity. “Even if we win fewer seats, contesting alone can help us grow in the long term,” a senior leader said.

MVA Tensions Rise

The Maha Vikas Aghadi includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). Although formed to stop the BJP from gaining power, the alliance has shown cracks lately.

Recently, Shiv Sena (UBT) teamed up with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for a joint rally. Congress leaders did not attend. They also said clearly that they would not associate with Raj Thackeray.

A party spokesperson said, “We will have nothing to do with Raj Thackeray. Period.”

A Larger Dilemma

This election isn’t just a local issue. The BMC controls a budget larger than some Indian states. Winning it gives a party huge political and financial power in Mumbai.

Congress now faces a dilemma. Should it go solo and take a risk for long-term growth? Or should it continue the alliance and fight for more seats? The answer will impact the party’s image, especially in cities.

Poll Delay Offers Breathing Room

The BMC polls are expected to be pushed from October to late November or early December. A delay in ward delimitation has postponed the process. The final ward list is now expected by October 6.

This delay gives Congress and other parties more time to plan. But it also extends uncertainty, especially about alliance talks.

NCP’s Flexible Approach

In other local body polls, NCP leader Supriya Sule has asked district leaders to decide their own strategy. Congress, however, wants a more centralized plan, especially for cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

What Happens Today?

Congress is likely to announce its final decision after today’s meeting. If it chooses to go solo, it may send a strong message about reclaiming its identity. If it stays with the MVA, more intense seat-sharing talks are expected.

The outcome could shape how Congress performs not only in local polls but also in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

A senior leader said, “We can’t be a third wheel forever. Either we rebuild now or risk fading away in cities like Mumbai.”

Conclusion

The Maharashtra Congress faces a turning point. Its leaders must choose between going solo in the BMC elections or sticking with allies in a fragile partnership. Today’s meeting will not just decide local poll tactics—it could shape the party’s political future in urban India.