In a major political development in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has granted permission to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to hold a public rally at the historic Shivaji Park ground in Dadar. The rally, scheduled for January 11, will now be a joint event featuring both the MNS and the Shiv Sena (UBT), bringing cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray together on a public platform for the first time in over two decades.
Historic Reunion on the Stage
The upcoming rally marks a watershed moment in Maharashtra's political landscape. The two Thackeray cousins, who have led separate political paths for more than 20 years, will jointly address the gathering. This strategic alliance is seen as a direct move to consolidate their position and challenge the ruling MahaYuti alliance in the state. A senior functionary from the Shiv Sena (UBT) highlighted the significance, stating that the joint address after such a long gap will have a substantial impact, mobilising their cadre and intensifying the opposition's stance.
Grassroots Campaigning Ahead of the Mega Rally
In the lead-up to this major public event, both leaders have been actively engaging in grassroots campaigning. As part of their preparation for the upcoming BMC elections, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have independently been visiting party shakhas (local branches) across Mumbai. Reports indicate that each leader has interacted with office bearers at more than 20 shakhas, reconnecting with the party's core workers and strengthening their organisational network at the local level.
Political Implications and Future Course
The decision to hold a joint rally is a calculated political manoeuvre with far-reaching consequences. By combining their forces, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS aim to present a united front that can potentially alter the dynamics of Mumbai's civic politics, especially with the crucial BMC elections on the horizon. The event at Shivaji Park, a traditional venue for major political gatherings in the city, is expected to draw massive crowds and signal a renewed, collaborative opposition strategy against the current state government coalition.
Political analysts suggest this reunion could reshape voter sentiment in Mumbai and surrounding regions, making the BMC polls a highly contested battle. The rally on Sunday, January 11, will be closely watched as a barometer of the opposition's renewed strength and the public's response to this unexpected alliance between the two factions of the Thackeray family.
