In a significant political development in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have decided to join forces for the upcoming civic body elections in major cities, including Mumbai. The formal announcement of this alliance is expected to be made next week, bringing estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray together on a public platform.
Formal Announcement Expected Next Week
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and key strategist Sanjay Raut confirmed the development to reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday. "There is no problem in announcing the alliance in the coming week. Both the brothers will be seen on stage for the announcement," Raut stated. He added that he had met MNS chief Raj Thackeray earlier in the day to finalize the arrangement.
This electoral understanding marks a notable thaw in the relationship between the two Thackeray cousins, who have been political rivals since Raj Thackeray left the undivided Shiv Sena to form the MNS in 2006. The move comes after both parties faced a severe setback in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections.
Scope of the Alliance: Key Cities in Focus
The partnership will primarily cover civic polls in major urban centers across the state. The parties will contest together in Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira Bhayander, Pune, and Nashik. However, decisions regarding alliances for other municipal corporations will be left to the discretion of local party units.
Sanjay Raut emphasized the importance of the Mumbai battle, describing it as the "real battle" among the 29 municipal corporations scheduled for polls. Elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India's wealthiest civic body, are set for January 15, with vote counting scheduled for the next day.
Echoing Raut's statement, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said, "as of now, Sena (UBT) and MNS are coming together," confirming the positive outcome of the discussions.
A New Political Equation in Post-Split Maharashtra
These civic polls will be the first major municipal elections since the dramatic splits in two of Maharashtra's dominant parties. The Shiv Sena split in 2022, led by Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) split in 2023, led by Ajit Pawar. The Election Commission of India currently recognizes the Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions as the official Shiv Sena and NCP, respectively.
The alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS is seen as an attempt to consolidate the Marathi vote bank and present a stronger front against the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The success of this reunion between the Thackeray cousins could significantly alter the political dynamics in Maharashtra's crucial urban landscapes.
