Shiv Sena (UBT) rebukes Congress, says they don’t need anybody’s permission on MNS alliance

Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday (November 22, 2025) rebuked the Congress over its stance on the inclusion of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) bloc.

“We don’t need anybody’s permission or order,” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said on his social media handle on X. This came even as the NCP(SP) said that it would want all forces to stay united to fight against BJP.

“We won’t take MNS together unless there is an order from Delhi, says Mumbai Congress. This can be an individual decision of the Congress. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have already come together as per the wishes of the people. We don’t need anybody’s permission or order for that. Sharad Pawar and the Left parties are also together. Save Mumbai,” Mr. Raut stated in his tweet.

The post came even as an NCP(SP) meeting, chaired by party president Sharad Pawar, was held in Mumbai on Saturday (November 22, 2025) to seek the local leaders’ opinion on the alliances in the upcoming local body polls.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad said, “The local leaders expressed their desire in front of Saaheb [Sharad Pawar] that the MVA should fight together along with all other smaller parties and Left parties. Be it the Samajwadi Party or the Peasants and Workers’ Party or the Ambedkarite parties.”

When asked if Sharad Pawar will mediate between the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) to bring Raj Thackeray’s MNS onboard, he said, “Everyone knows Sharad Pawar’s stance that he thinks that everyone should come together to fight the BJP.”

‘Won’t tie-up with divisive forces’

Meanwhile, the Congress party refused to comment on the developments on Saturday.

“We have already made our position clear. We cannot join hands with divisive forces. We also believe that the NCP(SP) and Congress are natural allies. Every party is free to take their own decision. Shiv Sena (UBT) has changed positions till now,” Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) president Varsha Gaikwad told The Hindu.