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RPI(A) Leader Accuses BJP and Shiv Sena of Betrayal in Mumbai Civic Poll Seat-Sharing Deal

Mumbai, December 30, 2025 – Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, leader of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena alliance for excluding his party from their seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

The BJP and Shiv Sena, both part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, announced on Monday a pact to contest 137 and 90 seats respectively in the BMC elections. Athawale, in a post on social media platform X, stated that this exclusion was a “betrayal of trust,” especially considering the RPI(A)’s consistent support for the Mahayuti alliance.

Athawale claimed a scheduled meeting for seat allocation discussions was skipped by his alliance partners. “This is not just a waste of time, but an attack on our self-respect,” he wrote, vowing to support whatever decision his party workers take.

Sources within the RPI(A) have indicated the party will file nominations for 50 seats. While there is still time for withdrawals, the party is prepared to contest independently if an “honourable discussion” and agreement cannot be reached.

Notably, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), another constituent of the Mahayuti alliance led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has also opted to contest the BMC elections separately.

The deadline for filing nomination papers for the January 15th BMC elections closes today.

Background:

This development throws a wrench into the unity of the Mahayuti alliance ahead of crucial civic polls. The RPI(A)’s decision to contest independently could potentially split the vote and impact the overall outcome of the elections. All eyes are now on whether a compromise can be reached before the deadline for withdrawal of nominations.

Analysis:

This feud reveals underlying tensions within the Mahayuti alliance regarding power-sharing arrangements. It raises questions about the coalition’s long-term stability and ability to present a united front in future elections.

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