Maharashtra SP unit chief Abu Asim Azmi | Photo: X/Abu Asim Azmi Maharashtra SP unit chief Abu Asim Azmi | Photo: X/Abu Asim Azmi 
Samajwadi Party (SP) announced on Saturday that it would exit Maharashtra's Opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The decision follows controversy surrounding Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's close aide, who allegedly praised the demolition of the Babri Masjid and a related newspaper advertisement.
The SP has two MLAs in Maharashtra.
"An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished the Babri Masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray’s) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition," said Maharashtra SP unit chief Abu Asim Azmi, speaking to news agency PTI.
Azmi added, "We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav."
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The decision comes after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar posted a photo of the Babri Masjid demolition, accompanied by a quote from Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray: "I am proud of those who did this." The post also featured images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Narvekar.
Azmi questioned, "If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?"
This announcement follows the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, which took place on December 6, 1992. After the demolition, the Samajwadi Party, based in Uttar Pradesh, became a key political force for Muslims in the state, with its founder Mulayam Singh Yadav at the forefront.
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