A major political shift has emerged in Maharashtra ahead of the Mumbai municipal elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray have decided to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections together. The two leaders met after nearly two decades, marking a crucial moment in state politics.
Speaking after the meeting, Raj Thackeray said Mumbai would soon get a “Marathi mayor.” Uddhav Thackeray echoed confidence and stated that Mumbai would remain with them under all circumstances.
The announcement came soon after the State Election Commission released the local body election schedule. Polling for 28 municipal corporations, including the BMC, will take place on January 15. Voters will also elect representatives for 32 district councils and 336 panchayat samitis in a single phase.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut described the alliance as a historic beginning. He invited leaders and workers unhappy with the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to join the combine. The alliance marks the first electoral partnership between the Thackeray cousins since their split in 2005. Although they shared a stage recently, they had not fought an election together until now.
The BJP responded strongly to the reunion. Party leaders said the alliance would end in a major defeat. They also referred to Uddhav Thackeray’s past ties with the Congress and Sharad Pawar, claiming the new partnership would not alter Mumbai’s political outcome.
As the BMC elections draw closer, the Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance is likely to reshape the political contest in Mumbai.
