In a significant political development ahead of the crucial municipal elections in Maharashtra, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray shared a public platform for the first time in years. The joint rally, held in Nashik on Friday, January 10, 2026, marked their formal alliance and featured a coordinated, fierce attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A Historic Reunion on the Nashik Stage
The city of Nashik, which holds special significance for Raj Thackeray as the place where his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) first captured power in the civic body back in 2007, served as the backdrop for this historic coming together. Opening his address, Uddhav Thackeray expressed his happiness at sharing the stage with his brother after a long period of separation, setting a tone of familial and political reconciliation aimed at the upcoming polls.
Both leaders used the platform to launch a multi-pronged assault on the BJP's governance and political tactics. Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of sidelining its own loyal workers in favour of distributing tickets to leaders imported from other parties. "The BJP has become a party of outsiders," he declared, questioning the party's internal democracy. He also challenged the BJP's commitment to core ideological issues like Hindutva and criticised specific local decisions, such as the felling of trees for a proposed 'sadhugram' in Nashik.
Allegations of Money Power and Election Delays
Raj Thackeray, in his speech, directed his fire at the alleged use of money and muscle power in civic elections. He made a startling claim that in the Kalyan-Dombivli area, three members of a single family contesting from one ward were offered a sum of Rs 15 crore to step aside and allow an uncontested election. "Where does this kind of money come from?" he asked the gathering, implying illicit funding.
A major point of contention raised by Raj was the inordinate delay in conducting municipal elections across Maharashtra. He pointed out that the terms of many civic bodies had ended nearly four years ago, and the state government had failed to hold fresh polls. "The government must explain why elections were not held on time," he demanded. He further criticised the frequent defections and party-switching by legislators, which he said had created widespread confusion in the state's political landscape.
Focus on Local Governance and Past Achievements
Turning the spotlight on Nashik's development, Raj Thackeray accused the BJP of making grand promises but delivering little work. Taking a dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he stated that Nashik was only "adopted" in words, not in action. He joined Uddhav in opposing the cutting of trees for infrastructure projects related to the Kumbh Mela.
Both leaders contrasted the current administration with their own past tenures. Raj Thackeray highlighted that during the MNS's rule, the Nashik Municipal Corporation became debt-free and no major corruption charges were levelled against it. Similarly, they referenced the work done by the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai and other bodies when they were in power, presenting their alliance as a proven alternative for urban governance.
The rally in Nashik signals a potent new alliance in Maharashtra's politics, aiming to consolidate anti-BJP votes by combining the influence of the Thackeray family name across two parties. The focus on local issues, corruption, and election delays is designed to resonate with the urban voter as the state prepares for a series of high-stakes municipal battles.
