The Samajwadi Party (SP) has officially severed its ties with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra, citing disagreements over the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s embrace of Hindutva ideology. The decision follows the controversial comments made by Sena (UBT) leaders in the wake of the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.
SP’s two MLAs, Abu Azmi and Rais Shaikh, took their oaths in the Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday despite the MVA’s boycott of the ceremony, marking a significant break within the opposition alliance.
Why SP walked out of MVA
SP leader Abu Azmi explained that the party could no longer continue its alliance with MVA, accusing the Shiv Sena (UBT) of shifting its ideological stance towards Hindutva.
Azmi’s criticism was particularly directed at Uddhav Thackeray’s recent statements and an online post by Milind Narvekar, an aide to Thackeray, who praised those responsible for demolishing the Babri Masjid in 1992. Azmi condemned the glorification of the event, which was ruled as criminal by the Supreme Court.
“After losing elections, they have changed their ideology,” Azmi said. “How can we work with a party that speaks in such communal language?” He added that SP, which describes itself as a secular party, could not align itself with a group that expressed such views.
Azmi also took issue with the MVA’s failure to discuss seat-sharing arrangements with SP during recent state elections, despite the party’s support for MVA’s call for a return to paper ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “SP fought eight seats and won two. MVA put up candidates against us in seven of them,” Azmi said.
SP’s exit from the MVA highlights the growing discontent within the opposition’s INDIA (Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance) bloc. The party has long been at odds with Congress, particularly over seat-sharing arrangements in Uttar Pradesh, where SP has been critical of Congress’s approach in the state assembly bypolls.
Adding to the friction, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent offer to lead the INDIA bloc has further strained the alliance. Banerjee expressed frustration over the bloc’s coordination and leadership, proposing to take charge if necessary. SP has indicated support for Banerjee’s leadership bid, with Azmi stating that SP would back her in whatever she does.
“We share a special bond with Mamata Banerjee, and the party will back her in whatever leadership role she takes in the INDIA bloc,” said Rajendra Chaudhary, SP’s national spokesperson.
Strained ties with Congress
The simmering tensions between SP and Congress have also been evident in recent months. SP expressed its displeasure after Congress relegated its Dalit leader Awadhesh Prasad from the front row to the second row in the Lok Sabha.
SP MPs also voiced their frustration over Congress’s perceived inaction when issues raised by SP, including the Sambhal violence, were not properly addressed in Parliament.
“When Akhilesh Yadav sought time from the Speaker over party MPs being stopped from visiting Sambhal, Congress staged a protest against Adani outside Parliament instead,” an SP MP said, accusing Congress of sidelining SP’s concerns.
The rift between the two parties was also visible in the UP state bypolls, where Congress hoped to contest nine seats but was left with only two, prompting them to abandon their claims. SP’s unilateral approach to seat distribution has left Congress disgruntled, and relations have remained tense since.
Rift over remarks on Babri Masjid
The Babri Masjid issue remains a flashpoint in Maharashtra politics. The post by Milind Narvekar, which praised those involved in the demolition, has deepened the divide within the opposition ranks.
Narvekar’s post included an image of the Babri Masjid being demolished and quotes from the late Bal Thackeray, celebrating the act as a moment of pride for the Shiv Sena.
Azmi and Shaikh condemned the glorification of the Babri demolition, calling it an unnecessary politicisation of a tragic event in India’s history.
“Sena (UBT) enjoyed enormous support from secular voters in the last two elections. Glorification of a dark day in India’s history is unwarranted,” Shaikh said.
As the SP moves away from the MVA and increases its support for Mamata Banerjee’s leadership within the INDIA bloc, questions loom over the future dynamics of the opposition alliance.
The SP’s national president, Akhilesh Yadav, is expected to make a final decision on the party’s exit from MVA soon. Meanwhile, with tensions between Congress and SP continuing to simmer, the future of the opposition’s unity remains uncertain as the next general election approaches.
(With inputs from ToI)
