Twenty years after Raj Thackeray left the unified Shiv Sena following a fallout with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray and went on to create the MNS, the two leaders have now joined hands. On Wednesday, they announced an alliance for the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for January 15. Talks had been going on for days between the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena about forming an alliance. Recently, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the seat-sharing discussions were over, which made it clear that the announcement of the alliance was only a matter of time.
With their families beside them, the two leaders came onto the stage. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said it was a “good and auspicious start.” “This is an auspicious beginning to ensure the saffron flag keeps unfolding on BMC and other municipal corporations. And this can only be done by Thackeray brothers,” he further stated.
Uddhav’s message to the crowd, ‘Together as Thackeray brothers’
Speaking to the crowd, Uddhav Thackeray said they were standing on the stage “together as Thackeray brothers.” “Our grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray was the one who led the fight for Maharashtra. After we got Mumbai in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena Pramukh formed the party. It will be 60 years since the formation of the Shiv Sena.”
Warning against divisions
The former chief minister also accused certain people of trying to “destroy Mumbai.” He said, “If we keep fighting among ourselves, it will be an insult to Hutatma. No one can take Mumbai away from the Marathi people. Earlier, the BJP said ‘Batenge toh Katenge.’ Now, I am calling on the Marathi people—if they weaken now, they will be divided.”
Taking the stage after his brother, Raj Thackeray spoke in a message of unity, saying, “Maharashtra is bigger than any misunderstanding or fight. That’s why we are here. We are not here to argue about who will contest how many seats. ”Clarifying that the alliance will also cover Nashik, Raj Thackeray added, “We will announce arrangements for other corporations after today’s meeting,” while emphasizing, “Mumbai’s mayor will be a Maharashtrian and from our party.”
The decision follows weeks of detailed negotiations, as both parties worked out a seat-sharing plan for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
