Congress Explores Alliance with VBA Ahead of BMC Elections in Maharashtra

In the wake of a disappointing performance in recent municipal elections, the Congress party in Maharashtra is actively pursuing an alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Over the past ten days, both parties have engaged in discussions, with a delegation meeting VBA leaders to explore potential collaboration. The BMC elections, set for January 15, follow a significant electoral defeat for the Congress and its allies. As they navigate the challenges of forming a coalition, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains dynamic and uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 11:54 IST

Congress Seeks Alliance with VBA After Setback in Local Elections

Following a significant defeat in the municipal council and panchayat elections in Maharashtra, the Congress party is now looking to form an alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Over the past ten days, both parties have held four meetings to discuss potential collaboration. On Sunday, a Congress delegation led by U.B. Venkatesh met with VBA leaders to explore the possibility of a partnership. The delegation included Sachin Sawant and Aslam Sheikh. To facilitate this, Congress has established a three-member committee comprising Amin Patel, Madhu Chavan, and Sachin Sawant. Sources indicate that discussions between the two sides have been positive, and an alliance announcement may be imminent. Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and democratic participation in the recent meeting.

BMC Elections and the MVA's Disappointing Performance

The crucial elections for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, are scheduled for January 15, with vote counting set for January 16. This follows the results of the municipal council and panchayat elections held in two phases, which were announced on Sunday. The ruling Mahayuti coalition, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), achieved a remarkable victory. According to the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC), the BJP secured 117 municipal chairperson positions, while Shiv Sena and NCP won 53 and 37 seats, respectively. In contrast, Congress, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT, and Sharad Pawar's NCP-SP managed to win only 28, 9, and 7 seats, respectively.

Challenges in Forming a Coalition for BMC Elections

Although Congress, Shiv Sena-UBT, and NCP-SP are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), they have struggled to form a united front for the BMC elections. Shiv Sena-UBT is attempting to ally with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), but Congress opposes this move. Consequently, Congress is actively seeking an alternative coalition for the BMC elections.