In a powerful show of political unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray shared a stage on Sunday, launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Their first joint rally for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections was held at the historic Shivaji Park ground in Mumbai, the very birthplace of the original Shiv Sena.
The Core Allegation: A Plan to Sever Mumbai
The cousins presented a united front with a central, explosive accusation: the BJP is attempting to remove Mumbai from Maharashtra and divide the Marathi-speaking populace. They framed their alliance as a necessary movement to save both the city and the state from this perceived threat. Raj Thackeray specifically alleged a long-term BJP strategy to merge Mumbai with neighboring Gujarat.
"The Vadhavan port is being developed. BJP wants to take control of Palghar and join Mumbai to Gujarat. That is their long-term plan," Raj claimed. He warned Marathi voters that this could be their last decisive election, stating, "If you miss this opportunity, who will you go to?" Uddhav Thackeray invoked the legacy of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which ensured Mumbai remained part of Maharashtra, and pointed out that the Jan Sangh—the BJP's ideological predecessor—was not part of that struggle.
Targeting the Adani Group and BMC 'Scam'
A significant portion of the speeches focused on allegations of undue favoritism towards the Adani business group. Raj Thackeray highlighted a dramatic increase in projects awarded to Adani, from ports and airports to power and data centers, comparing the period before 2014 to 2024. "Why was one corporate group favoured so much?" he questioned.
Uddhav Thackeray drew a sharp contrast between his party's tenure and the BJP's, making a striking financial allegation. He claimed that while the Shiv Sena created deposits worth Rs 3 lakh during its BMC rule, the BJP had engineered a scam worth Rs 3 lakh crore. He also alleged that most city projects now use cement from the Adani group. Raj further argued that the BJP's push to control municipal corporations was aimed at easing land transactions to benefit certain corporate entities.
Charges of Undermining Democracy and Dividing Society
The leaders also accused the BJP of eroding democratic rights. Raj pointed to the 66 municipal elections where candidates are winning unopposed, primarily from the ruling Mahayuti alliance, declaring, "BJP is taking away your right to vote." He alleged a systematic effort to edge Marathi people out of Mumbai.
Uddhav Thackeray challenged Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to run an election campaign without invoking communal divisions. "If he can conduct one election without bringing in Hindu-Muslim issues, I am willing to give him Rs 1 lakh," Uddhav said. He also criticized the BJP's political pragmatism, questioning its alliances with parties like the AIMIM and Congress in certain areas, contrasting it with the criticism his own alliances face.
The rally at the symbolically charged Shivaji Park has clearly set the narrative for the Thackeray cousins' campaign, centering on regional identity, alleged corporate cronyism, and the defense of Mumbai's status within Maharashtra.
