BMC Elections: Thackeray Brothers Unite After 20 Years!

With elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and several other civic bodies approaching, a major political development has taken place in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who had been politically separated for nearly two decades, announced their reunion. Addressing a joint press conference at Hotel Blue Sea in Worli on Wednesday afternoon, the cousins declared that they will contest the upcoming municipal elections together and remain united going forward.

Speaking at the event, Uddhav Thackeray said that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will jointly fight the BMC elections in the interest of the Marathi people. He stressed that unity is strength and warned that division would only weaken their cause. Uddhav urged voters to stay alert against vote division and alleged that certain forces are attempting to weaken Mumbai, indirectly targeting the BJP. He asserted that no one can stop Mumbai from belonging to the Marathi people.

Raj Thackeray stated that the post of Mumbai Mayor should go to a Marathi person, whether from MNS or Shiv Sena (UBT). He said that while Marathi people are peace-loving, they would not tolerate any obstruction to their rights. Emphasising that Maharashtra’s interests are paramount, Raj said past differences were irrelevant now and that their joint journey begins from today. Details regarding seat-sharing will be announced later. Senior leaders Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray were also present at the joint press meet.