Mumbai, 24 Dec

Ending months of political speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Wednesday formally announced an alliance ahead of the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Addressing a joint press conference in Mumbai, the cousins said their parties have united for the cause of the ‘Marathi manoos’ and Maharashtra. Uddhav said the two parties have come together to stay together, invoking the legacy of their family’s role in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement.

Uddhav recalled that their grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray was a prominent social reformer and that Bal Thackeray and Raj’s father Shrikant Thackeray played key roles in ensuring Mumbai remained part of Maharashtra.

“Mumbai's mayor will be Marathi and will be ours,” Raj said.

Uddhav said seat-sharing had already been finalised for the Nashik Municipal Corporation, where polls are due on 15 January, along with elections to the BMC and 27 other municipal corporations. He added that talks were underway for alliances in other civic bodies.

“Those who can't bear to see what is happening in the BJP can also come with us,” Uddhav said.

However, the brief 16-minute press conference did not spell out seat-sharing details for the high-stakes 227-ward BMC, fuelling speculation that negotiations are still ongoing in some wards where both parties have influence.

The event was held at a luxury hotel in Worli, the constituency of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. The backdrop featured Bal Thackeray’s image along with the party symbols of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.

Earlier, Uddhav and Raj paid tribute to Bal Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park before arriving together at the venue. Family members from both sides were also present, underscoring the reunion’s symbolic significance.