Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has raised concerns about the INDIA bloc’s silence since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Though the alliance of over 20 opposition parties surprised many with its performance last year, it hasn’t held even a single meeting since then.
With important elections coming up in Bihar and for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Thackeray has now called for immediate action. “There has been no meeting of the INDIA bloc after the general election. Bihar elections are near, and the BMC polls are also coming soon. We must meet and plan,” he said.
Uddhav Thackeray also demanded a return to voting through ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “Many developed countries like Britain still use ballot papers. Why should India depend on EVMs? Ballot papers bring more transparency to the democratic process,” he added.
His statement comes after a shift in the party’s tone. Just last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that the INDIA bloc and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) were not needed for local elections. He explained that such alliances were created only for national and state elections, and local elections should focus on local issues.
Raut had said, “The INDIA bloc was for the Lok Sabha polls. MVA was for state elections. Local elections are different and should be fought based on local needs.”
However, with the BMC elections expected later this year, the pressure is growing. Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray, had ruled the BMC for almost 20 years before the party split in 2022. The civic body is known for its big budget and political influence in Mumbai.
As parties gear up for the upcoming elections, Uddhav’s call is seen as a warning bell to revive coordination within the INDIA bloc. He seems eager to bring the opposition together again before key battles are lost to inaction.
Whether the alliance listens to his call or not remains to be seen.
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