Uddhav Sena leader’s post lauding demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya created a rift within MVA, leading to Samajwadi Party’s announcement to walk out of Opposition alliance.
In a big blow to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Samajwadi Party today quit the alliance after a controversial remark from a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray on the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
On the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition, Milind Narvekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader posted a photo of the mosque, accompanied by a quote from Shiv Sena patriarch Balasaheb Thackeray which read, “I am proud of those who did this.”
M Narvekar’s post also featured images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and himself.
— Milind Narvekar (@NarvekarMilind_) December 5, 2024
The Samajwadi Party has two MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly. After MVA parties skipped the oath-taking ceremony today, Samajwadi Party state president Abu Asim Azmi and party leader Rais Shaikh defied the boycott call and took their oaths.
“An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished Babri masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition of the mosque,” Mr Azmi said, as quoted by news agency PTI. “We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav.”
Up to 20 people may have been in the building at the time, Dutch media say.
Up to 20 people may have been in the building at the time, Dutch media say.