The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) criticized the Maharashtra Congress leadership, particularly targeting state president Harshvardhan Sapkal, for past strategic mistakes and disputes over seat-sharing in elections. In the party’s publication ‘Saamana,’ the Thackeray camp questioned Sapkal’s ambition to elevate his party to the “summit,” suggesting a reevaluation of this goal. The editorial highlighted Congress’s role in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, attributing it to the sudden resignation of the Assembly Speaker in early 2021.
The editorial emphasized that the Congress’s hasty decision regarding the Speaker’s post led to political instability as the Governor did not allow a fresh election, ultimately resulting in the government’s downfall. It pointed out that while Congress achieved success in the Lok Sabha due to MVA coordination, their approach during the Assembly elections caused damage. The Thackeray camp stressed the significance of Shiv Sena’s sacrifice within the MVA, questioning Congress’s reluctance to cooperate for the greater good.
According to the editorial, the Shiv Sena, with 20 MLAs, is the largest party in the MVA, underscoring its sacrifices. It questioned why a national party like Congress should experience self-inflicted pain when regional parties like Shiv Sena have made compromises. The editorial mocked Congress’s internal confusion and urged Sapkal to seek clarity from the party’s central leadership rather than creating chaos at the state level.
The editorial highlighted the need for political maturity and mutual respect among parties for successful governance. It advised Congress to prioritize compromise and understanding over individual seat gains, emphasizing the importance of trust and cooperation among regional and national parties for effective leadership across the country.
