Cong stands with SS-UBT in the fight to protect 'Maharashtra Dharma': Harshwardhan Sapkal

IANS May 16, 2025 351 views

In a recent meeting, Harshwardhan Sapkal, the Maharashtra Congress chief, expressed strong support for Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. He emphasized defending democracy, the Constitution, and Maharashtra Dharma against perceived threats from the BJP. The discussion, which followed a meeting with Sharad Pawar, touched on the relevance of Prabodhankar Thackeray's teachings and upcoming local elections. Additionally, there were concerns raised by P Chidambaram regarding the unity of the opposition alliance, although optimism remains for a cohesive front.

"To protect democracy and Maharashtra Dharma, a united struggle must be waged." - Harshwardhan Sapkal
Mumbai, May 16: Hitting out at the BJP, the Maharashtra unit of Congress on Friday said it stands with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in the fight to protect democracy, the Constitution, and Maharashtra Dharma.

Key Points

1

Congress unites with Shiv Sena against BJP threats

2

Sapkal emphasizes democracy and Maharashtra Dharma

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Meeting discusses upcoming local elections and alliances

State unit Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal after his meeting with Thackeray at 'Matoshree', said: "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is out to destroy Maharashtra Dharma and it is dismantling the Constitution and the democratic system. To counter this, the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the INDIA bloc are working together. Congress will stand with any party that joins the fight against the BJP. We are with Shiv Sena to protect democracy, the Constitution, and Maharashtra Dharma.”

Sapkal, who had met NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar two days ago, said his meeting with Thackeray was a courtesy visit during which several issues were discussed "in a positive manner".

He stated that the thoughts of Prabodhankar Thackeray (who was a writer and a social reformer) remain relevant even today.

The Congress leader said that in his writings, Prabodhankar Thackeray explained what Maharashtra Dharma should stand for.

"Contrary to the ideology outlined in his book "Devancha Dharm va Dharmachi Devale", the BJP today is on a path of religious destruction. The BJP is against democracy and the Constitution. To protect democracy, the Constitution, and the Maharashtra Dharma inspired by Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, a united struggle must be waged in the coming times. Discussions were also held regarding the upcoming local self-government elections,” he said.

Sapkal said that Congress has authorised its local leadership to make alliance-related decisions for the upcoming civic and local body elections.

Once the official notification is issued, allied parties will come together and decide accordingly.

During the visit, Uddhav Thackeray gifted Sapkal a photography book on Lonar Lake, a book of caricatures by Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, and a book featuring photographs of the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage. In return, Harshvardhan Sapkal presented him with a book based on Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The meeting between Thackeray and Sapkal came a day after veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram voiced concerns about the INDIA bloc, saying he was not sure if the opposition alliance was still intact.

"If the alliance is totally intact, I will be very happy. But it shows at the seams that it is frayed,” he remarked.

However, he hoped that the alliance can still be put together, there's still time.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some opposition unity in Maharashtra! BJP has been bulldozing our state's unique identity. Maharashtra Dharma is about inclusive development, not just one party's agenda. Hope this alliance works for the people 🙏
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Priya M.
All this talk of Maharashtra Dharma but where were these parties when farmers were suffering? Political meetings and book exchanges won't solve real issues. Need more action, less drama!
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Amit S.
As a Mumbaikar, I remember how Uddhav ji handled COVID crisis with maturity. If Congress-Sena can work together keeping aside differences, it might bring balance to Maharashtra politics. But will they walk the talk?
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Sunita P.
Interesting how they're invoking Prabodhankar Thackeray's legacy now. His vision was progressive, but are these parties really following it? Or just using big names for political gains? 🤔
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Vikram D.
Chidambaram's doubts about INDIA bloc show the cracks in opposition unity. Maharashtra alliance looks good on paper, but ground reality might be different. Hope they focus on development agenda rather than just BJP-bashing.
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Neha T.
The book exchange shows cultural sensitivity - Lonar Lake, Wari pilgrimage are Maharashtra's pride. But beyond symbolism, we need concrete plans for jobs, infrastructure and women's safety. That's real Maharashtra Dharma!

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Tags:
Harshwardhan Sapkal Uddhav Thackeray Maharashtra Dharma Shiv Sena Congress BJP Maharashtra Politics