The Thackeray brothers have surprised everyone with a major decision in Maharashtra politics. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will contest the upcoming BMC elections together.
Mumbai: A significant development has occurred in Maharashtra politics ahead of the BMC elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray have announced a historic alliance. Before the announcement, both brothers paid tribute at the Balasaheb Thackeray memorial in Shivaji Park with their families.
Background of the Alliance
In recent local body elections in Maharashtra, the BJP, the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar) contested separately, but all maintained their dominance in their respective areas. Before the BMC elections, the Thackeray family has united to strengthen Marathi identity and local politics in Mumbai as their agenda.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said in a press conference, "The failure of the Thackeray family to work together for 20 years has been detrimental to Maharashtra. Now, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have united to teach the BJP a lesson and stop the ongoing exploitation in Mumbai. We will contest together in 10 municipal corporations in Mumbai."
Key Points from the Press Conference
In his address, Uddhav Thackeray said, "People sitting in Delhi are trying to break Mumbai. If we divide, we will scatter. The Thackeray family has always struggled for Mumbai and Marathi identity. A decision on the seats will be taken soon." MNS chief Raj Thackeray, while making the historic announcement, said, "The Mayor of Mumbai will be Marathi and ours. Through this alliance, we will strengthen Marathi identity and public interest in local politics."
MNS leader Yashwant Killekar said, "The two brothers are coming together. We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Workers of both parties are very excited about this alliance."
Reactions from Congress and the Opposition
Congress leader Atul Londhe raised questions about the Shiv Sena-MNS alliance for the BMC elections. He said, "Today, news has come that Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar are going to form an alliance. Does this mean there is a rift in the Mahayuti?" Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sachin Ahir said, "This is a historic day in Maharashtra politics. The coming together of the Thackeray family is very important for the state. This is an opportunity for the opponents of the BJP to unite."
According to analysts, this alliance will not only protect Marathi identity in the BMC elections but also is a crucial step in challenging the dominance of the BJP. The coming together of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray could create a new wave in Mumbai's local politics.
