• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Maharashtra News: The Samajwadi Party on Saturday announced that it will leave the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, citing a social media post by Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray's close aide in which he hailed the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Maharashtra SP unit chief Abu Azmi alleged that Sena UBT has adopted a "Hindutva" approach after the MVA's embarrassing loss in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024.

"An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished Babri masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition of the mosque. We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav," Abu Azmi said, as quoted by PTI.

ALSO READ: 'Where Is Amit Shah': Kejriwal Slams Union Home Minister As Delhi Witnesses Sharp Uptick In Crime

Samajwadi party's decision to quit MVA follows a social media post by Shiv Sena UBT MLC Milind Narvekar, who hailed those who demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. Narvekar posted a photo of the demolition of the mosque accompanied by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's quote, "I am proud of those who did this". The Shiv Sena (UBT) secretary also posted images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and himself in the post.

"If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?" Abu Azmi said. He said the mosque was demolished and no one was punished for it, adding that people had forgotten about it but wounds are being reopened. "The Congress has to decide whether it can ally with someone who speaks like this," he said.

Hitting back, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav said his party's stand on Babri Masjid remained the same since 1992. "Has the Samajwadi Party realised the stand of Shiv Sena (UBT) after 31 years," he asked, accusing SP of leaning towards the ruling alliance.

When asked about the Samajwadi party's decision to quit the MVA, senior Congress leader Nitin Raut said, "Abu Azmi has made a statement (of quitting the MVA). We will discuss with the Samajwadi Party about its decision and understand what the problem is."

ALSO READ: Bihar Family On Road Trip To Goa Stranded Overnight In Karnataka Forest After Following Google Maps

The SP had contested eight seats and won two and had a friendly contest on six. The Samajwadi Party was part of the larger opposition of the MVA, which primarily comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). The Akhilesh Yadav-led party's move also reflects the differences within the INDIA bloc at the national level, of which the MVA is part.