BMC Elections 2025: Congress Plans Independent Strategy Amid Sena-MNS Alliance Buzz

In a significant development, the Congress has decided to contest the crucial upcoming BMC elections independently, according to reliable sources.

The party began evaluating its decision after the Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed its intention to form an alliance with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Regardless of whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) contests alone or joins forces with the MNS, the Congress must formulate its own strategy, a senior party leader from Mumbai stated.

A meeting held on May 13 to discuss the party’s strategy for the civic elections reportedly witnessed high drama. The discussion centred on the functioning of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) and the leadership style of its president Varsha Gaikwad.

Both the Maharashtra state Congress unit and the Mumbai Congress are in two minds whether to await the UBT’s final strategy or to proceed with their own plans. Although the Congress does not want to quit the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), it has no time to wait for UBT’s decision, party sources said.

Given the present situation, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in New Delhi had summoned prominent leaders from Mumbai. The meeting was attended by Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal.

The meeting centred on the working style of Gaikwad, who represents Mumbai North Central in Lok Sabha. Her decision making, programmes, priorities too came under sharp attack, sources said.

During the state assembly elections, her top priority remained Dharavi from where her sister Jyoti Gaikwad was contesting, it was pointed out. Although a majority of party leaders from Mumbai were raising concerns, the MRCC chief was defended by Kharge and Chennithala, it has been learnt.

The Mumbai party unit was represented by former minister Naseem Khan, Rajya Sabha member Chandrakant Handore, former MRCC chief Bhai Jagtap, MLAs Aslam Shaikh, a few former MLAs as well as senior party leaders.

The central unit, however, remained non-committal on the MRCC. It is said to be in favour of being part of the MVA even if the Congress decides to go alone, leaders in the know said.