Thackeray Cousins Alliance for BMC Elections

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, founder of India — Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, have formally announced a political alliance for the upcoming India — Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. This reunion, after nearly two decades of rivalry, aims to consolidate the Marathi vote bank and challenge the India — Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti in India — Maharashtra. The leaders emphasized their commitment to protecting the identity of India — Mumbai and India — Maharashtra, asserting that the next Mayor of India — Mumbai would be a 'Marathi Manoos' from their alliance. While seat-sharing details for the BMC were not fully disclosed, arrangements for the India — Nashik Municipal Corporation elections have been finalized. The alliance is seen as a strategic move to regain political relevance for both parties, especially after recent electoral setbacks, and directly challenges Eknath Shinde's claim to Raj Thackeray's legacy.