Uddhav, Raj Thackeray Join Hands For Mumbai Civic Polls

Ending a 20-year political rift, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray join forces to reclaim Mumbai’s “Marathi Identity.

December 24, 2025: In a seismic shift for Maharashtra politics, the estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS), formally declared a pre-poll alliance on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

This marks the first time since Raj Thackeray’s departure from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2006 that the two leaders will campaign as a unified front.

“Mumbai Will Get a Marathi Mayor”

Seated together at a packed joint press conference in Worli, the cousins projected a image of strength and regional pride.

• The Declaration: “I officially declare that Shiv Sena and MNS are alliance partners for the upcoming local body elections,” Raj Thackeray announced.² He followed with a bold vow: “Mumbai will get a Marathi mayor,” and clarified that the person would be from their alliance.
• Uddhav’s Confidence: Echoing his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray stated, “Mumbai will stay with us, come what may.” He also referenced the “batenge toh katenge” slogan, framing the alliance as a necessary shield against the “loot” of Mumbai.

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The Electoral Math: Seat Sharing & Strategy

The alliance focuses on consolidating the Marathi Manoos (sons of the soil) and Muslim voter bases (the “MaMu” strategy) to counter the BJP-Shinde coalition.³

Party	Estimated Seats (BMC)	Core Strategy
Shiv Sena (UBT)	145–150	Retaining loyal cadre and minority pockets.
MNS	65–70	Energizing the Marathi youth and middle-class voters.
NCP (Sharad Pawar)	10–12	Providing logistical and organizational depth.

• Regional Reach: Beyond Mumbai, the alliance is set to contest elections in Nashik, Thane, Pune, and Kalyan-Dombivli together.⁴
• The Congress Factor: The Congress has officially decided to contest alone, citing ideological reservations regarding the “hardline” MNS, thereby splitting the original Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) front for these local polls.⁵

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Political Context: A New “Brand Thackeray”

The reunion follows years of rivalry that saw the Thackeray vote bank split, often benefiting the BJP.

• Sanjay Raut’s Reaction: “Balasaheb Thackeray founded Shiv Sena for the sons of the soil. To teach the BJP a lesson and stop the loot of Mumbai, the brothers have come together. It is a moment of joy for Maharashtra.”
• Jibe at Rivals: Uddhav Thackeray extended an invitation to disgruntled members of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP, urging them to join their “identity-focused” movement.

Important Dates: BMC Election 2026

• Last Date for Nominations: December 30, 2025⁶
• Date of Poll: January 15, 2026⁷
• Date of Counting: January 16, 2026⁸