In a historic political moment, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray shared a public stage for the first time in two decades, delivering a powerful call for unity among Marathi-speaking communities ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
A Landmark Rally at Shivaji Park
The joint public meeting, held at the iconic Shivaji Park in Dadar on Sunday, January 12, 2026, marked the first such event since the formation of the MNS. The Thackeray cousins framed the upcoming civic polls as a decisive battle for the identity of Mumbai and its Marathi residents.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray issued a stark warning, stating, "This is the last election for Marathi citizens. If you fail today, it will be a mistake for eternity." He emphasized that Mumbai and Maharashtra must remain under the control of Marathis and should not be ceded to Gujarat, framing the election as a final stand to protect the city's land and character.
Echoing the sentiment, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray appealed for solidarity within the community to safeguard Mumbai's future. The rally represented a significant consolidation of the Thackeray family's political base during a high-stakes election campaign.
Mahayuti Counters with Welfare-Focused Manifesto
Simultaneously, the ruling Mahayuti alliance launched its counter-offensive by releasing a comprehensive manifesto for the BMC elections. The document was unveiled in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.
The manifesto promises substantial populist measures aimed directly at Mumbai's voters. Key pledges include:
- A complete five-year freeze on water charges for the city.
- Large-scale construction of housing projects to address the urban shelter crisis.
- A 50% concessional fare for women traveling on BEST buses.
- A range of other welfare schemes targeting various sections of society.
This manifesto sets a clear agenda for the incumbent alliance, focusing on tangible civic benefits and economic relief.
Fadnavis Launches Scathing Attack on Thackerays
The political duel intensified as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a direct attack on the Thackeray cousins during a separate rally in Andheri. He dismissed their claims of being the sole guardians of Mumbai's interests.
Fadnavis pointed out that both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray were born and raised in Mumbai, yet, in his view, failed to solve the city's chronic issues. He specifically targeted Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that despite holding significant influence over the BMC for nearly 25 years, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief could not effectively address the problems faced by Mumbaikars.
This rebuttal came in direct response to earlier comments from the Thackerays, who had labeled Fadnavis an "outsider" who lacks a deep understanding of Mumbai's core challenges during an interactive session.
The BMC 2026 elections have thus transformed into a dramatic clash of narratives. On one side is the reunited Thackeray faction championing regional identity and Marathi pride. On the other is the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by Fadnavis, campaigning on a platform of governance, development, and concrete welfare promises. The stage is set for a fiercely contested battle for control of India's richest municipal corporation.
