Uddhav, Raj Thackeray announce Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance for BMC elections

Estranged Thackeray cousins Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray joined forces on Wednesday (December 24) and announced their alliance for the Municipal Corporation Elections.

'Mumbai’s mayor will be Marathi'

Addressing a joint press conference with Raj, Uddhav said the two parties have come together to stay together. Raj, however, did not share details of the seat sharing between the two parties for the high-stakes BMC elections. “Mumbai’s mayor will be Marathi and will be ours,” Raj said.

"The moment that Maharashtra was waiting for a long time, that Shiv Sena and MNS should come together, today we are officially announcing the same," he said.

"Maharashtra is bigger than any quarrel; we are announcing that our alliance has been formed, the mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi and will be ours," added Raj as quoted by ANI.

"We have come together to stay together", said Uddhav.

Also Read: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will contest civic elections together: Sanjay Raut

Uddhav slams BJP

Uddhav said the parties have finalised their seat sharing for the Nashik Municipal Corporation, where elections are due on January 15, along with Mumbai and 27 other municipal corporations in the state.

Talks are underway for an alliance between the two parties in other civic bodies, he added. “Those who can’t bear to see what is happening in BJP can also come with us,” Uddhav said.

"During the assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party engaged in negative campaigning. With the slogan 'If we divide, we will be cut,' an attempt was made to sow discord among the Marathi people. Now, if a mistake has been made, its consequences will be serious. If division happens again, we will be finished. Therefore, the Marathi people should not break, should not divide. I am giving this message of unity to the entire Maharashtra," he added.

Uddhav, Raj pay homage to Balasaheb

Earlier in the day, Uddhav and Raj, accompanied by their wives, visited Shivaji Park and paid homage to party founder Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial.

Also Read: Maharashtra Capital Beat | Thackeray cousins’ possible BMC tie-up puts Opposition unity under strain

The joint appearance marked a symbolic coming together of the estranged cousins ahead of the formal announcement of their alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections expected in January. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and MNS leader Amit Thackeray were also present during the tribute.

Leaders from the UBT camp described the moment as significant, saying the proposed alliance would champion the cause of the “Marathi manoos.”

What party leaders said

Reacting to the development Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said, "Today is a historic day, where both (Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray) Thackeray brothers are coming together, on one platform, to save Mumbai... The way people want to loot Mumbai, want to keep it mortgaged to themselves, against that, we want to launch a public movement. The people of Mumbai want both Thackeray brothers to come together... We are fully confident that in the coming times, along with Mumbai, there will be the echo of a strong government of Shiv Sena and MNS in 28 other municipal corporations..."

"For so many days, we were waiting for this moment. It's a very important day for all the Marathi people, and it's the biggest event for us after 1960... It will make a big impact on the politics and people of Maharashtra...," said MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande.

Also Read: After BJP's civic poll win, Fadnavis warns cadres against attacking allies

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey termed the development historic, saying public sentiment in Mumbai favoured the Thackeray cousins joining hands to protect the city’s interests.

MNS leader Yashwant Killedar echoed the sentiment, calling the moment a source of happiness for workers.

'Photo opportunity', says Shiv Sena

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, however, played down the development, describing it as largely symbolic. Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said," I think it is a great photo opportunity and emotional cards will be played. But what will be there for the people? It is good that brothers are coming together. But the question is, why did the separate and divide Marathi-speaking people and take them for granted over the last 20 years? They have not answered this yet?"

Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, are scheduled for January 15, with counting on January 16.

(With agency inputs)