Maharashtra’s political arena heated up as Congress condemned the surprise joint manifesto from NCP’s warring factions, branding the Mahayuti-led municipal elections a ‘pre-fixed match.’ This bold accusation comes at a time when civic body polls are shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown.
The manifesto, rolled out by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar-led NCP groups, promises sweeping reforms in urban governance, from better roads to green initiatives. But Congress sees it as a ploy. ‘It’s a sham alliance to manipulate outcomes in favor of the ruling Mahayuti,’ thundered Congress MP K C Venugopal during a press briefing.
These polls, covering over 25 municipal corporations, will test the resilience of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Mahayuti government against the resurgent MVA opposition. Congress alleges that the NCP factions’ unity on paper masks behind-the-scenes deals that sideline smaller parties and genuine contenders.
Delving deeper, the Congress highlighted inconsistencies in the manifesto, such as ambitious water supply targets without funding details. Party workers are mobilizing across key urban centers, distributing pamphlets that caricature the ‘fixed match’ narrative with cricket metaphors popular among voters.
NCP spokespersons countered by accusing Congress of desperation amid MVA’s internal frictions. ‘Our manifesto unites us on development; Congress is just playing the blame game,’ retorted an Ajit Pawar aide. With nominations opening soon, this manifesto row could sway undecided voters, setting the tone for fiercer confrontations in the weeks ahead.
