Despite weak showing in Zilla Parishad polls, Congress signals intent to go solo in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said the party had contested the rural local body elections largely on its own to strengthen its organisational base.
Despite a largely underwhelming performance in the Zilla Parishad elections, results of which were declared Monday, the Congress has signalled that it may chart an independent political course in Maharashtra, even as talks of realignments and mergers among other Opposition parties gather pace.
Of the 12 Zilla Parishads that went to polls, the Congress emerged as the single largest party only in Latur. While the party improved its performance in Latur, Kolhapur and Sangli, it failed to open its account in key districts such as Pune, Satara, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.
In Sangli, the Congress is expected to share power with the NCP(SP), which emerged as the single largest party. In Kolhapur, where the Congress finished second, it is set to play the role of the principal Opposition in the Zilla Parishad. Despite its position as the largest party in Latur, the Congress is unlikely to secure the post of Zilla Parishad president as the ruling Mahayuti is expected to cross the majority mark.
Reacting to the results, Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said the party had contested the rural local body elections largely on its own to strengthen its organisational base.
“The Congress contested the local self-government elections across the state independently to expand its ideology and organisational base. In some places, alliances or fronts were formed at the local level after assessing the political situation. Since these elections belong to grassroots workers, they should be given maximum opportunities, which is not possible when alliances are formed. The people have given a positive mandate to Congress’s ideology in these elections,” Sapkal said, adding that the party has emerged as the largest Opposition force in the state.
Sources within the Congress have indicated that the party is prepared to go solo in Maharashtra, with an eye on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
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“We cannot go with the BJP, that’s for sure. As far as the issue of merger between the two NCPs is concerned, we haven’t talked about it nor anything has been informed to us. There is still time until 2029, and decisions will be taken after assessing the political situation then,” Sapkal said.
Explaining the party’s evolving electoral strategy, Sapkal pointed to recent shifts in alliance politics. He said that while the Maha Vikas Aghadi was formed under specific circumstances in 2019 and the Congress contested the 2024 Assembly elections as part of the alliance, the approach differed in local body polls.
“However, in the local self-government elections, Congress contested independently in many places. The Congress party also brought new allies such as the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, OBC Bahujan Aghadi, and RSP on board. In these elections, Congress has emerged as the largest Opposition party in the state,” he said.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
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Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
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