Mumbai: The estranged Thackeray cousins have reconciled and will contest the upcoming local body elections in Mumbai together. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj
Thackeray officially announced their alliance, signalling a major shift in the city’s political landscape and marking a strong resurgence of Marathi identity in regional politics. Raj Thackeray, supremo of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), announced at a joint press conference, "I officially declare that Shiv Sena and MNS are alliance partners (for the January 15 election)." "Mumbai will get a Marathi mayor," he said, assuring that the person will be from the Shiv Sena-MNS alliance. Seated beside him, Uddhav exuded confidence, saying, “Mumbai will stay with us, come what may.” He added that the city has become an “eyesore for the rulers in Delhi” and stressed that the Thackerays’ reunion is driven by a sense of duty. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief put his own spin on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “batenge toh katenge” slogan. “The BJP says ‘batenge toh katenge’ (divided we fall). I say, ‘chukal tar sampal’ (if you falter now, you will be finished). We will not rest until those plotting to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra are politically defeated,” he warned. Heralding a new era of identity politics, his cousin Raj stated, “We will ensure Marathi people get what they want.” Marathi identity politics, championed by Bal Thackeray - Raj’s uncle and Uddhav’s father - has periodically played a defining role in the state’s political landscape. "Maharashtra needs stability at a time when 'gangs' that hijack political parties are roaming the state. This alliance is not just for elections; it is for the long-term interest of Maharashtra," he added. The Thackeray cousins, reuniting after 20 years, also invited those dissatisfied with the Shinde Sena-BJP coalition to join their alliance. “Those who can’t bear to watch what’s happening in the BJP are welcome to come with us,” Uddhav remarked, taking a jab at his former ally. Elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are just a month away, with multiple parties gearing up for an intense campaign ahead of the January 15 polls, vying for control of the country’s richest municipal body. Uddhav stated that seat-sharing arrangements have been finalised for Mumbai, Nashik, and other municipal elections, though he did not disclose any specifics.
