In a major political development ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray are set to formally announce their alliance today. The two cousins, who are coming together after nearly two decades, will address a joint press conference at 12 noon at Hotel Blue Sea in Mumbai.
The alliance is expected to significantly alter the political equations not only in Mumbai but also across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Along with the BMC, the Thackeray brothers are likely to contest several other municipal corporation elections together.
Seat-Sharing Formula
According to sources, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest around 150 seats, while Raj Thackeray’s MNS will field candidates on the remaining 77 seats out of the BMC’s total 227 seats. Leaders close to Uddhav Thackeray claim that discussions have been largely finalised for over 150 seats, though negotiations are still underway for around 70 seats.
Some constituencies, particularly Marathi-dominated areas such as Dadar, Mahim, and Parel, have reportedly been points of contention, with both parties staking claims. A final resolution on these seats is expected in the coming days. Both parties are also preparing to release a joint manifesto for Mumbai.
Political Significance
The reunion of the Thackeray brothers comes at a time when Mumbai’s political landscape is highly fragmented. Their alliance is being closely watched by the ruling Mahayuti, especially the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, which currently holds power in the state.
Political observers believe the Thackeray alliance will focus on consolidating Marathi and Muslim voters. Muslims constitute approximately 18–20% of Mumbai’s electorate, while Marathi voters account for nearly 28%. A consolidation of these vote blocs could pose a serious challenge to the ruling alliance in several wards. However, potential vote division due to the Congress and NCP contesting separately may impact the overall outcome.
On the other hand, the BJP is reportedly working on a strategy to secure around 123 seats by mobilising a combination of North Indian, Gujarati, Marwari, and sections of Marathi voters.
A Symbolic Reunion
Notably, the coming together of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray has been driven, in part, by shared opposition to what they describe as the imposition of Hindi, a sentiment that has resonated with sections of the Marathi electorate.
As Mumbai heads into a high-stakes civic battle, today’s press conference is expected to set the tone for one of the most closely watched BMC elections in recent years.
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