Samajwadi Party (SP) announced on Saturday that it would exit Maharashtra's Opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The decision follows controversy surrounding Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's close aide, who allegedly praised the demolition of the Babri Masjid and a related newspaper advertisement.
Samajwadi Party To Exit MVA After Babri Demolition Post By Uddhav's Aide
This announcement follows the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, which took place on December 6, 1992.
The SP has two MLAs in Maharashtra.
"An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished the Babri Masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray라이브 바카라) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition," said Maharashtra SP unit chief Abu Asim Azmi, speaking to news agency PTI.
Azmi added, "We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav."
The decision comes after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar posted a photo of the Babri Masjid demolition, accompanied by a quote from Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray: "I am proud of those who did this." The post also featured images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Narvekar.
Azmi questioned, "If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?"
This announcement follows the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, which took place on December 6, 1992. After the demolition, the Samajwadi Party, based in Uttar Pradesh, became a key political force for Muslims in the state, with its founder Mulayam Singh Yadav at the forefront.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, two major alliances – Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) – tested their strength. Of the 48 seats, Mahayuti secured 17, MVA clinched 30, and an independent candidate won one.
However, in the recent state assembly elections, the MVA managed to win only 49 of the 288 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) took 20 seats, Congress won 16, and NCP (SP) secured 10. The Samajwadi Party claimed two seats, while one seat went to the CPM. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which includes Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), triumphed with a decisive victory, winning 230 seats.
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