A fresh fissure has emerged within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the much-anticipated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with the Congress party confirming it will go solo — triggering sharp reactions from allies and rivals alike.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam on Wednesday ridiculed the MVA, calling it an “alliance only in name,” after Congress categorically ruled out any tie-up with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the civic polls. “The so-called MVA stands divided even before the battle begins. This is not an alliance; it’s merely a name without unity or purpose,” Kadam remarked, taking aim at the opposition bloc.

The controversy began after Congress MLC and former Mumbai Congress chief Bhai Jagtap announced that his party would contest the BMC elections independently, without allying with either Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) or Raj Thackeray’s MNS. Jagtap revealed that although a meeting was held recently with Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, no consensus could be reached on a unified strategy.

“The Congress has never spoken about including Raj Thackeray and never will,” Jagtap asserted, making it clear that the party intends to stand on its own in Mumbai.

“The MVA was originally formed when Shiv Sena was united under Uddhav Thackeray, but now there are two Shiv Senas,” he added, implying that the alliance’s foundation has weakened since its inception.

In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey sought to calm the storm, insisting that decisions on alliances rest with top leaders.

“It is not up to individual leaders to decide on alliances. The high command — including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Uddhav Thackeray — will take a collective decision,” Dubey clarified, attempting to downplay reports of discord.