Maharashtra’s political circles are abuzz with speculation that Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray may join hands for the upcoming local body and municipal corporation elections.
While both leaders have refrained from making any direct announcement about a formal alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s remarks on Friday have intensified the chatter. Speaking to media, Raut asserted that the Thackeray brothers together could secure victories in key civic bodies, including Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Kalyan, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
“Discussions are ongoing for all these municipal corporations. No matter what forces try to intervene, the unity of Marathi people cannot be broken,” Raut declared. He confirmed that talks with the MNS over a possible alliance were still underway.
Background of Growing Proximity
The speculation about a joint front between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray began earlier this year when the two leaders came together on the issue of the Marathi language. The buzz intensified after Raj Thackeray visited ‘Matoshree’ Uddhav Thackeray’s residence on his birthday to extend greetings.
BJP Reacts Sharply
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded strongly to Raut’s statement. BJP MLA Pravin Darekar remarked, “The Thackeray faction is like an impatient groom who has already tied the knot in his head. Raut fears that without an alliance with Raj Thackeray, his party’s existence will be at risk.”
Raj Thackeray’s Signals of Cooperation
Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray’s statement on Thursday also indicated a possible alliance with the UBT. He convened a meeting with MNS office-bearers to strategize for the elections, reportedly telling his party workers that in Mumbai, only two parties the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have deep grassroots strength.
“Other parties don’t have as much influence in Mumbai. Start working immediately,” he instructed. Raj Thackeray also directed leaders to take special responsibility for voter list verification, an issue he claims the MNS has been raising since 2017.
The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with emphasis on mobilizing the cadre and addressing electoral roll discrepancies.
Possible Impact on Maharashtra’s Civic Polls
With both parties sending strong signals about cooperation, the prospect of a Thackeray brothers’ alliance is now seen as increasingly likely—something that could significantly reshape the dynamics of the upcoming civic polls in Maharashtra.
Raut Targets PM Modi and BJP
In the same press interaction, Raut also launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. He accused the ruling party of turning a religious nation into a “religion-obsessed” one, and claimed that the country had regressed since 2014.
“The country is celebrating 79 years of independence, but law and order, poverty, and hunger remain pressing issues. Some people act as if India only gained independence in 2014, but in reality, the country has fallen into a pit since then,” Raut said.
He credited leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and Jawaharlal Nehru for championing the Swadeshi movement and criticized Modi for what he called “superficial nationalism.” Taking a jibe, he said, “The final days of Modi’s political career have begun. One day, he might even wear a Nehru cap.”
Accusations of Weak Foreign Policy
Raut further alleged that Modi lacks the courage to confront global powers directly. “Trump insults our country regularly, but Modi dares not take his name. It’s easy to abuse Pakistan, but behind Pakistan stands China, and behind General Munir stands Trump. Modi must not forget that,” he said.
Raut added that the Prime Minister should have used his Red Fort speech to challenge both the US and China.
