In a sharp political critique, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed the newly formed alliance between Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), calling it a pact for mere political survival that will not significantly influence the upcoming civic polls.
The Alliance Announcement: Ending Months of Speculation
The political landscape of Mumbai witnessed a major development on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, when Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray formally announced an electoral alliance. This move, ending prolonged speculation, is strategically timed for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15. The BMC, India's richest municipal body, is a pivotal battleground for Maharashtra's political parties.
Fadnavis's Scathing Assessment
Reacting swiftly to the announcement, BJP leader and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis downplayed the alliance's potential. He characterized the tie-up not as a union of strength but as a necessary maneuver for the political continuity of both parties. According to Fadnavis, the alliance is born out of compulsion rather than a shared ideological vision, and therefore, it is unlikely to resonate strongly with the electorate or alter the existing political equations in a substantial way.
His comments underscore the high-stakes nature of the BMC polls, where the BJP is aiming to secure power in the civic body it has long coveted. By minimizing the impact of the Thackeray cousins' partnership, Fadnavis is attempting to frame the contest as one where the BJP's governance model remains the dominant choice for Mumbaikars.
Implications for Mumbai's Political Future
The alliance marks a notable reconciliation between the two Thackeray-led factions, which have had a contentious relationship for years. Their combined force aims to consolidate the Marathi vote bank and challenge the dominance of the BJP and the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
However, Fadnavis's dismissal sets the stage for a fiercely competitive election. Key implications include:
- A direct three-cornered fight for control of Mumbai's civic administration.
- A test for the renewed Thackeray unity in mobilizing their core support base.
- A referendum on the performance of the state's ruling Mahayuti alliance in urban governance.
As the campaign for the January 15 BMC election intensifies, all eyes will be on whether this familial alliance can defy Fadnavis's prediction and create a decisive impact, or if it will indeed be viewed as a last-ditch effort for political relevance.
