Ahead of the announcement of local body elections in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, has taken a significant political step. According to sources, Uddhav Thackeray's party is considering not fielding corporators aged 60 or above in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Mumbai: Political activity surrounding the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC Election 2025) has intensified in Maharashtra these days. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has indicated a major decision within his party ahead of the upcoming BMC elections, causing anxiety among several senior leaders.
According to sources, Uddhav Thackeray has indicated that corporators (aged over 60) will not be given tickets by the party this time. Instead, there are preparations to give opportunities to new and younger faces. If this decision is implemented, approximately 70 percent of Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates could be new faces.
Political Stir in Shiv Sena (UBT) Ahead of BMC Elections
The BMC election is considered the most crucial election in Mumbai's politics, as the Mumbai Municipal Corporation is the country's richest local body institution. Shiv Sena has dominated it for several decades. However, after the party's split in 2022 and the separation of the Eknath Shinde faction, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) faces the challenge of maintaining its bhold.
In this scenario, Uddhav Thackeray has devised a strategy to infuse new life into the organization. Sources suggest that Thackeray aims to make "performance and public connect" the basis for ticket distribution this time. Under this policy, there is a plan to replace senior corporators with young, educated, and grassroots-level active workers.
Crisis Over Tickets for Leaders Over 60
According to reports, Shiv Sena (UBT) has requested performance reports for corporators from all wards at the local level. This includes evaluating their public relations capabilities, presence in the area, and work undertaken during their tenure. If Uddhav Thackeray's strategy is implemented, many senior and veteran faces of the party could be out of the electoral race this time.
Political observers believe that this decision could create a wave of discontent within Uddhav's Shiv Sena. Upset corporators might switch to the Shinde faction or other parties, making the situation even more challenging for Uddhav.
Strategic Meetings Between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray
Meanwhile, sources suggest that several rounds of meetings have taken place between Uddhav Thackeray's party and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Discussions have focused on seat-sharing and the possibilities of an alliance between the two parties. However, a formal alliance has not yet been announced. But internal discussions suggest that both Thackeray brothers' parties might work together in the BMC elections to revive the "Thackeray brand of politics."
In the 2017 BMC elections, Shiv Sena won 84 seats, while the BJP secured 82 seats. However, after the party's split, many corporators moved to the Shinde faction. This time, Uddhav's Shiv Sena is attempting to strengthen its position by fielding new candidates in those seats.
