Thackeray Cousins ​​Reunite, to Contest BMC Elections Together, Ajit Pawar’s NCP to Campaign Independently

Rohit Kumar

NEW DELHI Dec 24: The estranged Thackeray cousins ​​have reunited, at least for the coming elections to the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled on January 15, though they claimed that they have “come together to stay together.”

Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and his cousin Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will contest the 227-member BMC, the country’s wealthiest municipal body, together.

The decision to rejoin hands was made public at a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon by the cousins ​​formally declaring an alliance that will redraw the power map of the financial capital, with Marathi identity making a grand comeback in the regional politics.

Noting that the current announcement pertains to Mumbai, Mr Raj said a similar announcement will be made regarding Nashik as well. “We are in talks with Sharad Pawar. We are today announcing an alliance between the two of us,” he added. Mr Raj, however, did not share details of the seat sharing between the two parties for the high-stakes BMC elections. “Mumbai Mayor will be a Marathi person and will be from our parties,” Mr Raj said. Uddhav, seated next to him, also sounded confident: “Mumbai will stay with us, come what may.”

He said Mumbai has become an “eyesore for the rulers in Delhi” and that the Thackerays have vowed to reunite out of a sense of duty. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also gave a twist to the “batenge toh tenghe” slogan of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “The BJP says ‘batenge to tienge‘(divided we fall). I say, ‘chukal tar sample’ (if you falter now, you will be finished). We will not rest until those dreaming of separating Mumbai from Maharashtra are politically eliminated,” he warned.

Ushering in a new dawn of identity politics, his cousin Raj said, “We will make sure that Marathi people get what they want.” Marathi identity politics was championed by Bal Thackeray, Raj’s uncle and Uddhav’s father, and has emerged as a defining factor in the state politics from time to time.

“Maharashtra needs stability at a time when ‘gangs’ that hijack political parties are roaming the state. This alliance is not just for elections; it is for the long-term interest of Maharashtra,” he added. The Thackeray cousins, who have reunited after a gap of 20 years, also called for those unhappy in the Shinde Sena-BJP coalition to join their alliance. “Those who can’t bear to see what is happening in the BJP can also come with us,” Uddhav said, in a jibe at its former ally, the BJP.

Uddhav said seat-sharing strategies have been finalized for elections in Mumbai, Nashik, and other municipal bodies, but did not share any details. Sources, however, suggest that Uddhav Sena could secure the lion’s share, about 145-150 seats, while Raj Thackeray’s MNS could contest 65-70 seats. The NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar is expected to be a part of the alliance and contest 10-12 remaining seats.

Alliance talks between the two parties for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections had been going on for quite some time. Speaking on the alliance, Mr Uddhav said: “We have come together to stay together. We will finish off those who want to take away Mumbai. I want to tell the Marathi manoosif you break away right now, you will be defeated.”

The Thackeray cousins’ joining hands effectively shifts the focus from the debate over “real Sena” to the “Thackeray Sena” and sends a clear message that the legacy of Sena founder Bal Thackeray would be upheld by the united family. Sanjay Raut, a longtime ally of Uddhav Thackeray and an MP, described the joining of hands as a “moment of joy” for the Marathi people and Maharashtra.

“Balasaheb Thackeray founded Shiv Sena for the sons of the soil. For 20 years, the Thackeray brothers were not together, and Maharashtra had to suffer a lot. Now, to teach the BJP a lesson, to stop the loot that’s going on in Mumbai, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have come together,” Raut told reporters.

The reunion appears strategic for the Thackerays. Uddhav commands the sympathy of Bal Thackeray’s staunch supporters, while Raj possesses an aggressive style and appeal among the youth that forms the basis of this strategic alliance to confront the ruling Mahayuti. The Thackeray surname would instill confidence among the older cadre.

Raj Thackeray’s inclusion will consolidate the Marathi vote bank that previously went to the MNS, hurting former chief minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. However, the BJP downplayed any impact of the reunion on the Mumbai elections, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis alleging that the cousins ​​have betrayed Mumbai.

“I am happy that they have come together. But it would be childish to believe that it would make difference any. I don’t think this will change anything. They have continuously betrayed Mumbai. They committed a sin by sending Marathi people out of Mumbai; they are not with them. Besides, the non-Marathis, whom they have attacked, are also not with them. Their track record is of corruption and selfishness,” he said.

The backdrop banner at the news conference had the image of Bal Thackeray, the founder of undivided Shiv Sena, and party symbols of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS. Prior to coming to the venue, Mr Raj and Mr Uddhav paid respect to Bal Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park. They reached the venue together in Mr Raj’s vehicle.

The family bonhomie was on full display at the press conference. Mr Uddhav’s wife Ms Rashmi and son Mr Aaditya, and Mr Raj’s wife Ms Sharmila and son Mr Amit were also present. In the State Assembly polls last year, the Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 of the 288 seats, while the MNS drew a blank.

The parties came together to oppose Maharashtra’s government’s decision to introduce a three-language formula in schools and “imposition” of Hindi language. They held a joint ‘victory rally’ in July to celebrate the state government’s decision to withdraw its orders on the introduction of Hindi along with Marathi and English for Classes 1 to 5.

The reconciliation move by the Thackeray cousins ​​had sent ripples through Maharashtra’s political landscape, drawing cautious optimism from allies and opponents alike—except for one key leader: Shiv Sena President and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Mr Shinde, who led a rebellion in 2022 to split the Shiv Sena and form a government with the BJP to become the Chief Minister, has been the primary beneficiary of the Thackeray cousins’ estrangement. Their newfound camaraderie, however, threatens to upend his carefully consolidated position. His visible irritation when questioned about their warming ties—uncharacteristic for the usually composed leader—betrays his unease.

An alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS could significantly alter Maharashtra’s power dynamics. Mr Raj Thackeray’s party, though not an electoral heavyweight, commands influence over Mumbai’s Marathi-speaking populace. Combined with Mr Uddhav’s remaining Shiv Sena loyalists, the duo could erode Mr Shinde’s support base, weakening his claim over the party’s legacy.

In the ruling three-party “Mahayuti” camp, Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party is also all set for holding BMC election campaigning independently separate from its alliance partners BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. The point of contention is the appointment of Nawab Malik as the NCP’s in-charge for the BMC election.

The Mahayuti had expressed reservations over his taking the reins, pointing to allegations linking him to the purchase of property with ties to terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. Malik was also arrested – on money-laundering charges – in 2022. He is out on bail on health grounds, but the BJP has consistently cited these allegations to keep him at arm’s length. The BJP’s state unit chief, Ameet Satam, declared his party “will not associate with the NCP if Nawab Malik continues to lead it in Mumbai”, as Mahayuti seat-share talks gathered pace.