OCTOBER 9, 2024- In a pointed critique of its ally, Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to contest the recent Haryana assembly elections independently. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut voiced the party’s concerns, urging the Congress to clarify its strategy for future alliances.

“If Congress wants to go solo all over the country, then it should announce that so everyone else would be free to take their own decision in their respective states,” Raut stated. His comments come in the aftermath of Congress’s defeat in Haryana, which has stirred tensions between the two alliance partners.

An editorial in Saamana, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s official mouthpiece, also attributed Congress’s loss in Haryana to its disregard for coalition partners. “INDIA block won in Jammu and Kashmir because Congress fought elections in alliance, but it went solo in Haryana and ignored alliance partners there. It faced defeat despite people being upset with BJP. Congress has the art to lose battles that could be easily won,” the editorial read.

This criticism from the Sena comes at a time when both parties are negotiating seat-sharing arrangements in Maharashtra for upcoming elections. Raut’s comments have raised concerns over the unity of the opposition alliance, INDIA, as member parties jostle for a favorable share of seats and strategic influence.

The Congress party has not yet issued a response to Shiv Sena (UBT)’s remarks, but the friction underscores the challenges the opposition faces in presenting a united front against the ruling BJP. As political alignments shift in anticipation of key state elections, clarity on alliance strategies could be crucial for maintaining a cohesive opposition bloc.