Mumbai: Ending months of speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Wednesday formally announced an alliance between their parties ahead of the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Addressing a joint press conference in Mumbai, Uddhav said the two parties had come together with the intention of staying united. The Thackeray cousins said the alliance was forged in the interest of the ‘Marathi manoos’ and Maharashtra.
Recalling their family’s political legacy, Uddhav said their grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray, a social reformer and writer, was a prominent figure in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. He added that his father Bal Thackeray and Raj Thackeray’s father Shrikant Thackeray had also played key roles in ensuring that Mumbai remained part of Maharashtra.
“Mumbai’s mayor will be Marathi and will be ours,” Raj Thackeray said.
Uddhav said the two parties have already finalised their seat-sharing arrangement for the Nashik Municipal Corporation, where elections are scheduled on January 15 along with polls to the BMC and 27 other municipal corporations across the state. He added that discussions are underway for an alliance in other civic bodies as well.
“Those who cannot bear what is happening in the BJP can also join us,” Uddhav said.
The much-anticipated press conference lasted around 16 minutes, but did not provide clarity on the seat-sharing arrangement for the 227 wards of the BMC, triggering speculation that negotiations are still ongoing in several wards where both parties have influence. Raj did not disclose any details regarding the BMC seat-sharing formula.
The event was held at a luxury hotel in Worli, the constituency of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. The backdrop featured an image of Bal Thackeray, founder of the undivided Shiv Sena, along with the party symbols of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS.
Before arriving at the venue, Raj and Uddhav paid homage to Bal Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park and travelled together to the press conference in Raj’s vehicle.
Family members of both leaders were present, with Rashmi and Aaditya Thackeray, and Sharmila and Amit Thackeray attending the event, underscoring the display of family unity.
In the state Assembly elections held last year, the Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 20 of the 288 seats, while the MNS failed to win any.
The two parties had previously come together to oppose the state government’s decision to introduce a three-language formula in schools and what they described as the “imposition” of Hindi. In July, they held a joint ‘victory rally’ after the government withdrew its order to introduce Hindi along with Marathi and English for Classes 1 to 5.
With PTI inputs