Uddhav and Raj bury 20-year rivalry, alliance set for BMC elections; announcement likely today

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): A major and historic shift is unfolding in Maharashtra politics. The recent results of 288 municipal council and nagar panchayat elections delivered a severe setback to the “Thackeray brand.” Learning from this jolt, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have decided to set aside their 20-year-old rivalry to protect their political future.

According to sources, the two brothers have agreed to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections together, along with polls to 29 other municipal corporations across the state. A formal announcement of the alliance is likely to be made today (Tuesday) at a joint press conference at the NSCI Dome in Worli.

BJP surge forces rethink

In the recent civic polls, the BJP-led Mahayuti won over 70 percent of the seats, while Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) was reduced to single digits and Raj Thackeray’s MNS failed to win even a single seat. The strong performance of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with the BJP has created an existential challenge for the Thackeray camp. To counter this threat, both brothers have decided to come together.

Late Monday evening, MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai met Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree, where the alliance formula was reportedly finalised.

Seat sharing and election schedule

Sources say consensus has been reached on the division of BMC’s 227 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to contest more than 150 seats, while MNS may get 60 to 70 seats. The remaining seats will be left for smaller allies.

The Election Commission has already issued the notification. Nominations begin on Tuesday and will continue till December 30. Voting for all 29 municipal corporations will be held on January 15, with results to be announced on January 16.

Congress factor remains a challenge

Managing Congress within the Maha Vikas Aghadi is emerging as a key challenge for this new alliance. Due to MNS’s image of opposing North Indians, Congress has earlier refused to share the stage with Raj Thackeray. In this context, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut is in continuous touch with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership to maintain opposition unity against the BJP.

Battle for Mumbai’s citadel

This election is not just another civic contest, but a crucial battle to protect the Thackeray family’s political legacy. The Thackerays have controlled the BMC for nearly three decades, making it their strongest power base. With a budget larger than that of several small states, the BMC plays a vital role in sustaining political influence at the grassroots level.

The BJP and Eknath Shinde faction are now eyeing this “golden goose” and have reportedly set a target of winning 150 BMC seats. The big question remains whether the reunion of the Thackeray brothers can help them retain their grip over Mumbai.