12 June,2026 03:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday dismissed speculation about a possible consolidation of Opposition parties around the Congress, describing the party as a "sinking ship" and asserting that any such move would ultimately benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Fadnavis made the remarks while responding to questions about recent suggestions that regional parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) should merge with the Congress to create a stronger national Opposition against the BJP.
Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said he did not believe any political party would willingly align itself with what he termed a declining political organisation.
"Congress is a sinking ship, and no one ever sets foot on a sinking ship. But if anyone does, we have nothing to lose," the chief minister said.
He added that the BJP was closely observing political developments but was not concerned about discussions surrounding Opposition unity.
According to Fadnavis, any attempt by Opposition parties to consolidate under the Congress banner would only result in the BJP gaining additional political space.
The chief minister said the BJP was maintaining a wait-and-watch approach regarding possible realignments among Opposition parties.
He argued that the consolidation of Opposition forces would reduce the number of political players competing for space outside the BJP, thereby strengthening the ruling party's position.
"Even if Opposition parties step into the Congress, which is a sinking ship, we will get more political space," he said.
The remarks come at a time when discussions about Opposition strategy have intensified following recent electoral setbacks suffered by several regional parties.
The debate over Opposition unity gained momentum after Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut recently suggested that parties formed after breaking away from the Congress should consider returning to the party.
Raut argued that a stronger and more united Opposition was necessary to present an effective challenge to the BJP at the national level.
On Wednesday, he specifically referred to parties such as the Trinamool Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), suggesting that they should reunite with the Congress to strengthen the anti-BJP political space.
A day later, Raut went a step further by suggesting that Sharad Pawar should take the initiative in bringing smaller parties back into the Congress fold.
According to Raut, leaders who originally emerged from the Congress ecosystem should consider reuniting under a common political platform to provide a stronger alternative to the BJP.
His comments sparked political discussion both in Maharashtra and nationally, particularly in the context of recent developments involving regional parties.
The conversation around Opposition consolidation has intensified following the poor performance of the Trinamool Congress in the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections.
Political observers believe the results have prompted fresh discussions within Opposition circles about the need for greater unity and coordination against the BJP.
However, Fadnavis maintained that such efforts would not pose a challenge to the BJP and instead could further strengthen the ruling party's position.
The exchange highlights the growing debate over the future direction of Opposition politics in India.
While some Opposition leaders have called for greater unity and organisational restructuring to counter the BJP, leaders from the ruling party have questioned the viability of such efforts and pointed to the Congress' electoral decline over the past decade.
As discussions continue, the possibility of mergers, alliances or broader Opposition realignments remains a key political issue ahead of future state and national elections.
For now, the BJP appears confident that any consolidation among Opposition parties would have limited impact on its electoral prospects, while Opposition leaders continue exploring ways to strengthen their collective political influence.
(With inputs from PTI)
