‘But we’re flexible. We will fight in whatever way is best for our cause’, says Arvind Sawant.
New Delhi: After a humiliating defeat in the recently held Maharastra Assembly Elections, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Arvind Ganpat Sawant says that “their alliance with the Congress remains intact”.
In an exclusive interview to The Sunday Guardian, Arvind Ganpat highlights that his party has a different ideology to that of the Congress. Edited excerpts:
Q: What is your party’s stance on the idea of One Nation, One Election?
A: The phrase “One Nation, One Election” might sound appealing, but the real question is: What are the intentions behind it? The area of logistics conducting simultaneous elections are also a major concern. Who will handle this? And what about the Election Commission’s role? Is it truly neutral? The government’s actions, like removing the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee for the Chief Election Commissioner, raise doubts. We see a government breaking regional parties and exerting control over democratic institutions. So, the idea of One Nation, One Election feels more like a romanticized vision than a viable solution.
Q: What’s your party’s view on Waqf Amendment Bill?
A: The government seems intent on undermining regional representation. India is a diverse country with linguistic, cultural, and social differences. However, there is a pattern where states with smaller populations or different languages are sidelined. The political discourse is dominated by a few large states, while smaller ones are ignored or marginalized. On Waqf bill, we agree that there should be reforms that could benefit the marginalised group but we still have doubts over governments intentions.
Q: Are you against the BJP’s approach to historical issues, like the temple-mosque debate?
A: Yes. The government uses historical issues for political gain, digging up the past to serve their narrative. We must not let the past divide us. If there are issues with old practices, they should be addressed with a sense of justice, but not for political mileage. The country has evolved, and so have its social norms. But let’s not use history to sow division.
Q: What about your party’s alignment with the Congress in the current political scenario? Are you still with the INDIA bloc after a huge defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections?
A: It’s not about ideology. We’ve come together because we both believe in the Constitution of India. The ruling party’s disregard for the Constitution is a concern, and this is why we are united, despite our ideological differences.
We have a different ideology and Congress has their own. We differ on that perspective but we are united in protecting the democracy and constitution.
Q: Will your party be contesting the 2025 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections alone or with an alliance with Congress?
A: We’re still discussing our options. Right now, the alliance is intact, but no final decision has been made about the BMC elections. However, we are born fighters and will consider all possibilities, including going solo if necessary.
Q: Who according to you should lead the opposition INDI Alliance?
A: Leadership should come from a collective decision, not from one individual. We have several capable leaders, but the decision should come from the leadership of all parties involved. I personally believe leaders like Uddhav Thackeray are capable of uniting everyone, but it’s ultimately up to the alliance to decide.
Q: Will your party contest alone in future elections as it seems that your core voters drifted away from you and went to Eknath Shinde, since you aligned with Congress?
A: For now, our alliance is intact, but we’re flexible. We will fight in whatever way is best for our cause, and if that means contesting alone, so be it.
The key is that our party’s workers get a fair chance, and we maintain our
principles.