Source The Hindu
MUMBAI, December 24, 2025 — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Maharashtra, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray formally announced a strategic alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday.
The announcement, made during a high-profile joint press conference at the ‘Blue Sea’ in Worli, marks the end of a 20-year political rift. The primary objective of the “Thackeray Union” is to wrest control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 other municipal bodies in the upcoming elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
“Unity for the Marathi Manoos”
Addressing the media alongside his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray emphasized that the alliance was born out of a duty to protect the identity of Maharashtra.
“We have come together to stay together,” Uddhav Thackeray declared. “If the Marathi community remains divided now, we will be finished. We are here to finish off those who want to take Mumbai away from us.”
Raj Thackeray, president of the MNS, echoed these sentiments, stating that “Maharashtra is bigger than any personal quarrel.” He confidently asserted that the next Mayor of Mumbai would be a “Marathi Manoos” from their alliance.
Key Highlights of the Alliance
The press conference featured the presence of the entire Thackeray family, including Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray, signaling a personal as well as political reconciliation.
Electoral Focus: The alliance will jointly contest the BMC, Nashik, Pune, Thane, and several other municipal corporations.
Seat Sharing: While specific numbers for Mumbai are being finalized, leaders confirmed that seat-sharing agreements for Nashik, Mira-Bhayandar, and Kalyan-Dombivli have already been concluded.
Marathi Identity: The campaign will heavily focus on local identity, the “Marathi Manoos,” and opposing what the leaders call “external interference” from Delhi.
The “Third Man”: Notably, the only non-family leader on the dais was Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who is widely credited as the architect behind this historic reunion.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The alliance comes at a critical time for both parties following a challenging performance in the recent Assembly elections. However, the ruling Mahayuti alliance was quick to dismiss the development.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mocked the announcement, comparing the media hype to a “Russia-Ukraine peace summit.” He dismissed the tie-up as an act of “political survival” rather than a genuine shift in public sentiment. “The Thackeray cousins are not the sole representatives of Mumbai. People will vote for performance and vision, not for those who have a track record of civic misrule,” Fadnavis stated.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has maintained its stance of contesting the BMC polls independently, citing ideological differences with the MNS’s past rhetoric.
What’s Next?
With polling set for January 15, the next few weeks will see the two Thackeray cousins sharing campaign stages for the first time since 2006. Political analysts suggest that while the Mahayuti currently holds momentum, the consolidation of the “Thackeray brand” could significantly sway urban voters in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
