Mon Jan 13 08:49:49 UTC 2025: ## Shiv Sena (UBT) Urges INDIA Bloc to Improve Communication, Condemns Labeling Allies as “Traitors”

**Mumbai, October 24** – Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut today stressed the critical need for improved communication within the INDIA opposition bloc, warning that severed dialogue could jeopardize the alliance’s success. His comments follow the party’s decision to contest upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra independently.

Raut attributed the breakdown in communication as a key factor contributing to the 2019 collapse of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. He emphasized that while contesting elections against alliance partners, as the Shiv Sena (UBT) intends to do in the local polls, is acceptable, labeling former or potential allies as “traitors” is unacceptable.

He specifically called on the Congress, as the largest party within the INDIA bloc, to take a leading role in fostering communication among the nearly 30 member parties. Raut highlighted that Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of effective dialogue within the alliance. He clarified that the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s decision to go solo in the local body elections is intended to strengthen its organizational base and does not signify a desire to dissolve either the INDIA bloc or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Raut acknowledged the INDIA bloc’s strong performance in recent Lok Sabha elections and urged its continued success, but underscored that this requires open and consistent communication among its diverse membership. He cited the example of the AAP and Congress competing in Delhi as an illustration of how parties within an opposition alliance can contest elections separately without resorting to damaging accusations.

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