BMC Polls: Thackeray Brothers Reunite, Pose for Photos, Take on BJP – Seat Sharing Still Under Wraps

Mumbai: A long-awaited reunion of the Thackeray brothers finally took place on Wednesday, bringing a significant twist to Maharashtra’s political landscape. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray came together to showcase unity, with family members also present at the high-profile event. However, the alliance did not reveal seat-sharing details.

The official announcement of the Shiv Sena UBT–Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance took place at Hotel Blue in Worli, Mumbai. Before the announcement, both brothers paid homage to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray at his memorial in the presence of the family. At the press conference, both leaders addressed the media using a single microphone, displaying a united front.

Uddhav Thackeray criticized the BJP, accusing Delhi-based powers of plotting to divide Maharashtra and Mumbai, and vowed to stop such efforts. Raj Thackeray emphasized that the next mayor must be Marathi and “ours.” While the alliance was formally declared, the number of seats each party will contest out of Mumbai’s 227 wards remains undisclosed. Raj Thackeray stressed that the numbers are not the priority.

Why Seat Sharing Numbers Were Not Announced: Three Key Reasons

1. A Strategic Chess Move: The nomination process for Mumbai BMC elections has already begun, but neither the BJP–Shiv Sena (Mahayuti) nor the Thackeray alliance has finalized their seat-sharing. Political analysts suggest that by not revealing the numbers, the Thackeray brothers may be keeping the BJP and Shinde faction guessing—a classic game of political chess.
2. The Picture Isn’t Complete Yet: Congress has announced it will contest alone in Mumbai, potentially splitting the Muslim vote, which could affect the Thackeray alliance’s “MAMU” factor (Marathi-Muslim coalition). There are reports that Sanjay Raut has contacted Rahul Gandhi, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP could also align with the Thackeray brothers. By withholding the seat numbers, the brothers keep their cards close until the final scenario is clear.
3. Discussions Are Still Ongoing: Talks between Shiv Sena UBT and MNS over 150 seats are complete, but discussions over the remaining 77 seats are still underway. Leaders from both parties are negotiating claims in Marathi-majority areas of Mumbai. Therefore, the Thackeray brothers plan to announce the final seat-sharing only after these talks conclude.

As Mumbai gears up for a high-voltage BMC election, all eyes are on the united front of the Thackeray brothers and their next moves against the BJP.