After years of estrangement, Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have reunited to contest the upcoming Mumbai civic elections together. The alliance, announced jointly on Tuesday, is expected to significantly reshape the city’s political landscape, with a renewed emphasis on Marathi identity.
At a joint press conference, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray formally declared the alliance. “I officially announce that Shiv Sena and MNS are alliance partners for the January 15 election. Mumbai will get a Marathi mayor, and that mayor will be from the Shiv Sena–MNS alliance,” he said.
Uddhav Thackeray, seated alongside him, echoed the confidence. “Mumbai will stay with us, come what may,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said. He also invoked the slogan “batenge toh katenge”, warning that division would only weaken their cause.
Highlighting a return to identity-based politics championed by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, Raj said the alliance would ensure that Marathi people get their due. Marathi pride has long been a defining theme in Maharashtra politics.
The cousins also appealed to leaders and workers unhappy with the Shinde Sena–BJP coalition to join their front. “Those who cannot tolerate what is happening in the BJP can come with us,” Uddhav said.
Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are due next month, with January 15 set as polling day. Political parties have already begun high-voltage campaigns for control of India’s richest civic body.
Uddhav Thackeray said seat-sharing arrangements for Mumbai, Nashik and other municipal bodies have been finalised, though details were not disclosed. Sources indicated that the Uddhav Sena may contest around 145–150 seats, while the MNS could field candidates in 65–70 seats. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction is also expected to join the alliance and contest the remaining seats.
The reunion of the Thackeray cousins shifts the political narrative from the debate over the “real Sena” to the idea of a united “Thackeray Sena”, likely to tap into public sentiment and the legacy of Bal Thackeray.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called the alliance a “moment of joy” for Marathi people. “Balasaheb Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena for the sons of the soil. For 20 years, the Thackeray brothers were apart, and Maharashtra suffered. Now, to teach the BJP a lesson and stop the loot in Mumbai, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have come together,” Raut said.
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