‘No Need For Anybody’s Permission’: Sanjay Raut’s Jab At Congress Amid Rift Over MNS Alliance | Politics News

Last Updated:November 22, 2025, 18:01 IST

Sanjay Raut said the Congress’ permission over an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS is not required if they want to join forces for the civic polls.

Congress has decided to contest the BMC polls solo amid a growing proximity between the Thackeray cousins. (Photo Credit: X)

Amid reports of a rift between the opposition parties in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the Congress’ approval about an alliance between the party and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will not matter if they want to join forces for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.

This came after the Congress on Friday ruled out an alliance with the MNS for the upcoming civic body polls, saying the party will never tie up with those who break the law or intimidate others, referring to the “sons-of-the-soil” brand of politics of the party.

In a social media post, Raut said it was the personal decision of the Congress but the Shiv Sena (UBT) will not wait for anyone’s permission. “Shiv Sena and MNS have already come together, this is the people’s will. There is no need for anyone’s orders or permission for that. Sharad Pawar and the left parties are also together on this,” he said.

This came amid reports that Sharad Pawar is trying to bring Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and MNS together to jointly contest the upcoming civic polls. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule said the party wants to take along all parties in the Opposition for the upcoming local body polls and will hold discussions with them.

Congress’ Reluctance To Join Forces With MNS

The Congress has traditionally been opposed to the MNS, fearing a dent in its north Indian and Muslim vote banks. Even as it has welcomed the reunion between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, it has refrained from an alliance with the MNS.

The Congress recently announced that it would contest the elections to the BMC independently, reportedly due to the growing proximity between the Thackeray brothers and the possibility of an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.

The solo contest plan had prompted Sena (UBT) to ask Congress not to rush into any decision and emphasise the importance of the Opposition unity. “The Congress has taken all decisions regarding alliances after consulting party workers, leaders and senior functionaries,” Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad said on Friday.

“Some factions of the RPI (Republican Party of India) are also inclined to join us. But the Congress will not tie up with those who take the law into their own hands or indulge in intimidation,” she said in a thinly veiled reference to the MNS.

MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande hit back at Gaikwad’s comments, saying that the party is an independent entity and not a member of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). “Raj Thackeray makes decisions in our party. We have nothing to do with what anyone says,” he said.

(with inputs from PTI)

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

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