Overview
- Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad met NCP (Sharad Pawar) president Sharad Pawar at his Silver Oak residence to discuss the BMC polls, with Supriya Sule, Aslam Shaikh, Jyoti Gaikwad and Amin Patel present.
- Gaikwad reaffirmed the Congress decision to contest the civic election independently while keeping space for like‑minded partners, describing Pawar as a natural ally and inviting his participation.
- She said the discussion affirmed long‑standing support for the alliance and highlighted plans for additional consultations next week.
- Gaikwad urged a campaign centered on roads, water, traffic, education, pollution and corruption, said there were no talks on tying up with the MNS, and stated the Congress cannot align with those who take the law into their own hands.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) pressed Congress to reconsider its solo push, warning of a boost to the BJP, as parties prepare for the 227-seat BMC election expected in January 2026 after Congress won 30 seats in 2017.