Unity Cannot Be Limited To Statements: Uddhav Thackeray’s Reality Check For MVA Partners

Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 13:43 IST

The appeal for unity came against the backdrop of six Sena (UBT) MPs crossing over and concerns over whether the alliance can function as one political force.

Against the backdrop of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs switching sides, party chief Uddhav Thackeray used the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coordination meeting on Tuesday to deliver a candid message to alliance partners: unity cannot remain confined to statements and press conferences.

Addressing MLAs and MLCs of the three MVA constituents, Thackeray posed a pointed question: “We say that we are united as the Maha Vikas Aghadi, but are we really united?"

He followed it up with a clear appeal that the opposition alliance must now function as a cohesive political force both inside and outside the legislature.

The meeting, attended by senior leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), focused on chalking out a common strategy for the ongoing monsoon session and assessing the current political situation in Maharashtra. MVA leaders stressed that the opposition faces a tough political battle and can take on the ruling Mahayuti only through better-coordinated action.

According to sources present at the meeting, all senior leaders urged legislators to remain united, aggressively raise public issues on the floor of the House and maintain close coordination during the session. The message was that opposition politics cannot be conducted in silos and that regular interaction among alliance partners is now essential.

Thackeray also sought to draw a line under the recent setback suffered by his party. Referring to the MPs who left Shiv Sena (UBT), he reportedly told colleagues that dwelling on those who had departed would serve little purpose. Instead, the focus should remain on strengthening the alliance and taking up issues affecting the people of Maharashtra.

Another key point raised during the discussions was the need for the top MVA leadership to meet more frequently. Leaders felt that better communication at the top would translate into stronger coordination among legislators and a more effective opposition strategy.

However, the meeting also exposed a challenge confronting the alliance. Despite repeated calls for unity, attendance was far from impressive. Of the nearly 60 MLAs and MLCs belonging to the three alliance partners, only 37 were present.

The low turnout underscored the very concern that Thackeray articulated during the meeting — that while the MVA continues to project unity, translating that unity into organisational and legislative action remains a work in progress.

As the monsoon session gathers pace, the alliance leadership will be hoping that Tuesday’s message resonates beyond the meeting room.

About the Author

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @...Read More

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