In a dramatic political development that has reshaped Mumbai's electoral landscape, estranged brothers Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have officially reunited after nearly two decades. The long-anticipated reconciliation culminated in a formal alliance between the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other civic body elections.
A Historic Reconciliation and Seat-Sharing Formula
The political reunion was sealed shortly after the two cousins paid an emotional tribute to their late patriarch, Balasaheb Thackeray, at the Shivaji Park memorial on Wednesday. The formal announcement was made at a joint press conference held in Worli. According to the finalized seat-sharing agreement for the crucial BMC polls, the Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest 145 to 150 seats, while the MNS will fight for 65 to 70 seats. An additional 10 to 12 seats are earmarked for the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
In a significant concession, Sena (UBT) has also ceded 12 to 15 seats where it previously had corporators to the MNS. Notably, in most of these wards, the former corporators have now switched allegiance to the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Senior Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut confirmed that the final touches to the alliance were completed late Monday night, stating that workers from both parties have accepted the partnership.
Political Reactions and Rival Criticism
The alliance has triggered sharp and immediate reactions from political rivals. The ruling Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and the NCP, viewed the development with criticism. Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare launched a fierce attack, accusing both Thackeray leaders of betraying Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy. He claimed that the Marathi people would not forget their actions and that the alliance was born out of compulsion, causing nervousness among their own party workers who have been adversaries for twenty years.
Meanwhile, the Congress party, which is an ally of Sena (UBT) at the state level but has decided to contest the BMC polls alone, sees political significance in the reunion. Congress leader Atul Londhe suggested that this development, along with rumors of a reconciliation between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, indicates growing cracks within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Election Schedule and Wider Implications
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Polling is scheduled for January 15, with the vote count set for January 16. The ruling Mahayuti has recently performed well in elections across 286 smaller municipalities and nagar panchayats. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed those results a "trailer" for the upcoming civic polls.
Sanjay Raut also clarified that while the issue regarding Congress's participation is currently closed, talks with the party will continue. He confirmed that seat-sharing discussions for other major civic bodies like Nashik, Pune, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, and Mira Bhayandar are complete, and negotiations are ongoing with NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil for a broader alliance.
