No need for tie-ups like I.N.D.I.A. or MVA for civic polls in Maharashtra: Raut

'MVA was formed for the Maharashtra assembly elections, and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc for the Lok Sabha polls. There is no need for such alliances when it comes to civic elections,' he said.

Mumbai: In a significant statement vis-a-vis the opposition coalitions, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said that arrangements like the I.N.D.I.A. bloc or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are not necessary for the upcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra—an indication that Thackeray-cousins may be heading for a electoral alliance.

The statement invited reactions from both the ruling Maha Yuti as well as the MVA.

The statement comes days after the joint show of strength by Uddhav, the Shiv Sena (UBT) head, and Raj, the MNS President, who reunited after a gap of 20 years over the issue of Marathi-pride and larger cause of Marathi manoos.

“I.N.D.I.A. was formed for Lok Sabha polls…MVA was formed for Vidhan Sabha polls…these are not needed for local bodies elections, municipal election…as issues are completely different,” said Raut.

However, Raut, who is an aide of Uddhav Thackeray and close friend of Raj Thackeray, said: "There is pressure from people that Sena (UBT) and MNS should contest the civic polls in Mumbai and other cities in the state together. However, since the elections are yet to be announced, we will take a call at an appropriate time."

It may be mentioned, about two dozen parties from across the country are a part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.), while MVA comprises the Congress, Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

In fact, Thackeray or Pawar are the two key leaders who crafted the opposition alliance, first as the MVA and then as I.N.D.I.A. at global level.

Reacting to the statement, state Industries Minister Uday Samant, who is a close associate of Shiv Sena chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said it reflects the use and throw policy of Uddhav Thackeray.

On the other hand, leaders of the Congress and NCP (SP) said that all parties prepare at the ground level.

“We will decide what has to be done after taking into account the opinion of local units at district and tehsil level… as far as preparations are concerned, all parties do their preparations at ground level,” said Congress MLA Nana Patole, a former state unit chief.

"When two families come together it comes as encouragement,” said NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad.