Congress Goes Solo in BMC Polls, Reshaping Mumbai's Political Battle

• Congress decides to contest BMC elections independently, fragmenting the Opposition space in Mumbai.
• The party cited the alignment between Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s MNS as the reason for not joining MVA for civic polls.
• Congress aims to consolidate minority, Dalit, and migrant voters, focusing on local issues like infrastructure, pollution, and corruption.
• Political observers view it as a bold but risky gambit, potentially benefiting the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance due to a divided Opposition.
• The decision's outcome could significantly impact Congress's future in Maharashtra and its bargaining power in upcoming elections.

Why It Matters: Congress's solo BMC poll bid reshapes Mumbai politics, a high-stakes gamble with long-term implications.