In a sign of a possible strain within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad on Saturday (November 15, 2025) said, “The party is preparing to contest the upcoming polls to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) independently.”

Addressing a party meeting, Mumbai Congress president Gaikwad called on party workers to resolve to "unfurl the Congress flag in the BMC".

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"We must ensure the election of Congress corporators. Prepare for all 227 seats," Ms. Gaikwad said. Elections to the BMC, the richest civic body in the country, are likely to be held in January 2026.

Ms. Gaikwad made the statement in the presence of senior leaders, including AICC general secretary Ramesh Chennithala and Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal.