Thu Oct 23 22:20:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The article reports on Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s appeal for Opposition unity in the lead-up to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. This call comes after a Congress leader announced their intention to contest independently, rejecting alliances with Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. Raut emphasizes the need to safeguard Mumbai and democratic values by defeating the BJP, even if it means appealing to Congress’s national leadership over state leaders. He also highlighted that Raj Thackeray is running independently.

News Article:

Opposition Unity in Mumbai Crucial to Defeat BJP, Says Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Raut

Mumbai, October 24, 2025: With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections looming, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has issued a strong call for Opposition parties to unite, emphasizing that the battle is about “safeguarding Mumbai and democratic values” and not just securing votes. His plea follows an announcement by Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap that his party would contest the elections independently, rejecting potential alliances.

Raut stated that he would prefer to discuss a pre-poll alliance with Congress’s national leadership, citing the importance of defeating the BJP. “This is about defeating the BJP and saving Mumbai,” he asserted, warning of an “impending danger” to the city, and claiming Mumbai could fall into the “clutches of the Adani group”.

Referencing the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Raut reminded Congress of past unity for Mumbai’s protection. He also highlighted Congress’s role in the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances and questioned the decision of the Congress’s Marathi leadership to reject cooperation. He urged them to reconsider their position, reminding them that Raj Thakeray is running independently and that Marathi voters would welcome a united Opposition.

“If we need to discuss alliances, we will speak to Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala,” Raut stated, indicating that no such talks have yet taken place.

The current MVA in Maharashtra includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP). The outcome of these elections could significantly impact the political landscape of Mumbai and Maharashtra.

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