Uddhav Hints at Unlikely Partnership with Raj to Secure BMC
In a major political development that could reshape the dynamics of Maharashtra politics, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has hinted at the possibility of a joint electoral bid with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Speaking at a party function in Mumbai, Uddhav declared his determination to “capture power in Mumbai and Maharashtra” while strongly indicating that he was open to collaboration for the upcoming BMC elections.
A Strategic Shift Towards Unity?
This is the first time Uddhav Thackeray has publicly spoken about a potential alliance with Raj Thackeray since the bitter split in the Thackeray family and the formation of MNS in 2006. Political observers see this as a strategic move to consolidate Marathi votes, especially in Mumbai, where both parties have had significant, albeit fragmented, influence.
“Mumbai is ours and will remain ours. We will not just win the BMC but also take control of Maharashtra once again,” Uddhav said, addressing party workers. His statement comes at a time when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)—Asia’s richest civic body—has been without an elected body for over two years, and elections are expected soon.
BJP And Shinde Sena in Crosshairs
The announcement appears to be aimed directly at the ruling alliance of the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which ousted Uddhav from power in 2022. A Uddhav-Raj alliance could disrupt the current power structure in Mumbai and dent the BJP’s urban dominance.
Raj Thackeray, who has been relatively silent in recent months, has yet to comment on Uddhav’s remarks. However, sources close to the MNS indicate that preliminary talks and backchannel discussions may already be underway.
Reaction Across the Political Spectrum
The potential reunion of the Thackeray cousins has sparked intense political chatter. While Uddhav loyalists see it as a “historic opportunity to unite the Marathi voice,” opponents have dismissed it as a “desperate tactic” to regain lost ground.
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Political analyst Vishwas Deshpande said, “If Uddhav and Raj join hands, it could reignite the core Shiv Sena vote bank, especially among Marathi-speaking voters in Mumbai. But making it work structurally and ideologically will be a big challenge.”
As the BMC elections draw near, all eyes will be on whether this symbolic gesture of unity transforms into a concrete political alliance. If it does, it could significantly alter the course of urban and state-level politics in Maharashtra, especially in the run-up to the 2024 Assembly elections.
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