Maharashtra: Samajwadi Party quits MVA over Babri Masjid remark by Uddhav aide, citing communal ideology concerns

According to an NDTV report, on the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Mosque's demolition, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Milind Narvekar shared a post featuring the mosque's image alongside a quote from Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, stating, "I am proud of those who did this."

The post also included pictures of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Narvekar himself.

The Samajwadi Party, which has two MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly, defied an MVA boycott of the oath-taking ceremony, with its state president Abu Asim Azmi and party leader Rais Shaikh taking their oaths.

In a statement, Azmi declared, "Samajwadi Party can never remain with communal ideology, hence we separate ourselves from Maha Vikas Aghadi." He added in another post, "We are fine going it alone in Maharashtra but cannot support Shiv Sena (UBT)'s communal ideology within the MVA."

Azmi also accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) of praising those responsible for the mosque's demolition, saying, "An advertisement by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulated those who demolished Babri Masjid, and Milind Narvekar posted on X hailing the act." He questioned the alliance's secular credentials, asking, "If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?"

The Samajwadi Party's exit underscores the growing rift within the MVA, particularly as the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP failed to perform in the Maharashtra elections.

Congress secured only 16 of 103 contested seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 of 89, and the NCP claimed just 10 of 87.

Rais Shaikh of the Samajwadi Party stressed that the MVA was founded on principles of secularism and protecting the Constitution.

He urged the Shiv Sena (UBT) to reflect on its radical stance and provide clarity on Narvekar’s remarks.

Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, secured a decisive victory with 230 seats in the 288-member assembly.

Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister, with Shinde and Pawar as Deputy Chief Ministers.

MVA leaders boycotted the Assembly's oath-taking ceremony, alleging manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the election.

Aditya Thackeray claimed, "Democracy is being murdered by the use of EVMs. This result is not the people's mandate; it is the mandate of EVMs and the Election Commission."