Maharashtra: After years apart, Thackeray cousins join hands for Mumbai civic battle
PTC Web Desk: After years of political separation, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have come together ahead of Mumbai’s upcoming civic body elections. The two leaders announced their alliance at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday and said they plan to remain united permanently.
This formal announcement comes months after their public reunion in July, when they shared a stage for the first time in nearly 20 years. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will contest the civic elections scheduled for January 15 as allies.
Speaking at the event, Raj Thackeray said the welfare of Maharashtra would always come before political differences. He also stated that Mumbai would have a Marathi mayor, who would belong to either his party or Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.
Uddhav Thackeray echoed similar sentiments, saying Marathi people are generally peaceful but will not tolerate injustice or disrespect.
While the alliance has been announced, clarity is still awaited on how seats will be shared for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), one of the most important civic bodies in the state, will be closely watched.
Reports suggest that discussions are still ongoing, with differences over seat-sharing in areas such as Dadar, Mahim, Borivali, Vikhroli, Bhandup and Sewri.
- With inputs from agencies
