Maharashtra's Civil Society Urges Support for Maha Vikas Aghadi Against BJP

Reclaiming the progressive legacy of the state, prominent members of Maharashtra's civil society have called on people to back the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the state's opposition alliance that is a member of the INDIA bloc.

The MVA and the INDIA coalition "clearly represent the only viable political option for the people of Maharashtra and the country," the signatories said in a public plea on Thursday, urging all "vigilant citizens" of the state to vote for them.

The members of civil society said that they would not vote for the BJP or any of its partners, stating that the present Maharashtra government is a puppet dictatorship created by an immoral trio rather than just a coalition of three power-hungry parties. We understand that Delhi is pulling its strings at Modi-Shah's request.

The signatories include director Anand Patwardhan, novelist Ram Puniyani, activist Teesta Setalvad, retired high court judge B.G. Kolse Patil, and Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

The announcement coincides with disagreements over ticket allocation inside the MVA.

The signatories recalled Maharashtra's past as a shining example of progressive, morally grounded politics.

We may remember great progressive leaders like Sant Tukaram, Sant Janabai, Sant Soyrabai, and Sant Namdev Maharaj from our honorable past. They were the cultural gems of Maharashtra as well as a part of our spiritual inheritance, according to the statement.

Additionally, the national ethos and moral compass of our country have been profoundly impacted in every facet of our life by the great and legendary individuals like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Fatima Sheikh, Mahatma Jotiba Phule, Sahu Maharaj, Shivaji Maharaj, and Savitribai Phule.

The reason Maharashtra has remained a national leader in socio-political values, economic growth, and cultural purity is because of their sacrifices and efforts.

"The lust for power of three immoral, opportunistic political parties has tarnished and sullied Maharashtra's reputation today. These parties have abandoned any semblance of ethics and morality and are nothing more than Modi and Shah's proxy puppets."