In a significant development shaking the political landscape of Maharashtra, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has officially announced its exit from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. The decision, made public by Maharashtra SP chief Abu Azmi on Saturday, comes as a response to the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s controversial stance on the Babri Masjid demolition.
This move marks a major shift within the opposition camp, with the SP citing the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s recent position on the Babri Masjid issue as a key reason for severing ties. The controversy was ignited by a social media post shared by Milind Narvekar, a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, which celebrated the Babri Masjid demolition — a sensitive and divisive issue in Indian politics. The post quickly garnered widespread attention and criticism, especially from secular and opposition voices in the state.
Abu Azmi’s Strong Words Against Shiv Sena (UBT)
In his announcement, Abu Azmi expressed deep disapproval of the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s actions, which he viewed as a betrayal of secular values. “We cannot continue to be part of an alliance that supports the glorification of a dark chapter in India’s history,” Azmi stated. The post in question, celebrating the Babri Masjid demolition, was condemned by many as a step toward embracing communal politics, something that the MVA had opposed in the past.
The criticism extended beyond political leaders to public figures as well. SP MLA from Bhiwandi, Rais Shaikh, also took to social media platform X to express his condemnation of the post, calling it an “unwarranted glorification” of a violent episode. He reminded the public that the Shiv Sena (UBT) had previously gained significant support from secular voters and accused the party of abandoning those principles for political gains.
Fahad Ahmad, actor Swara Bhasker’s husband and an NCP-SP candidate in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, also joined the chorus of dissent. He criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) for resorting to communal rhetoric, particularly pointing to its failure to control its cadre. Fahad described the celebration of the Babri Masjid demolition as “victory of mob violence over constitutional values,” further escalating tensions within the MVA alliance.
Historical Context of Shiv Sena’s Position on Babri Masjid
The rift within the MVA is not just a recent development but also rooted in the history of Shiv Sena’s association with the Babri Masjid demolition. Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray had played a pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. The BJP, a longstanding ally of the Shiv Sena, has often attributed part of the responsibility for the demolition to Thackeray, a claim that has been repeatedly acknowledged by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Sanjay Raut, who stated that Balasaheb Thackeray had openly accepted his role in the events of 1992.
Impact on MVA’s Unity and Future Prospects
The Samajwadi Party’s exit from the MVA is a blow to the already fragile opposition alliance in Maharashtra, which had been attempting to present a united front against the ruling BJP-led government. The alliance, which includes the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Shiv Sena (UBT), now faces fresh challenges, with the exit of one of its prominent partners.
This split also raises questions about the future of secular politics in the state and whether Shiv Sena (UBT) is moving closer to the BJP in its approach to Hindutva. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the MVA can rebuild its unity or if this rift marks the beginning of the end for the opposition’s hold in Maharashtra.