Thane Civic Polls Witness High-Stakes Battle Between Thackeray Cousins and Shinde's Mahayuti
Thane is witnessing its first-ever civic elections under the new Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance. The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, are directly challenging the Mahayuti coalition. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde leads the Mahayuti locally. This contest spans over twelve key seats. Some of these seats are traditional pocket boroughs of the Shiv Sena chief.
Key Flashpoints and Strategic Battles in Ward Constituencies
Ward 9 in the Naupada-Kopri administrative division has emerged as a major flashpoint. Both Sena factions are squaring off in two seats here. In Diva, the MNS mounted a direct challenge to Shiv Sena. They are contesting seats 27A, 28C, and 20C in Naupada. The MNS is also taking on the BJP in seat 11C.
In two Diva seats, candidates from MNS and Sena (UBT) were fielded independently. Political observers view this as a calibrated attempt. The move aims to collectively blunt the Shiv Sena's historical dominance in the region.
Political Significance and Analyst Insights on Thane's Outcome
Political analysts emphasize the critical nature of Thane's election outcome. It holds immense importance for both the Sena (UBT)-MNS combine and for Eknath Shinde. "Thane was where the undivided Shiv Sena first tasted political power," said one analyst.
"A victory here would validate the Thackeray brothers' alliance. It would show the alliance is both timely and acceptable to the local voters. For Shinde, a win would significantly strengthen his claim. He positions himself as the true political heir to Balasaheb Thackeray," the analyst added.
Joint Campaign Offensive and Accusations from Thackeray Leaders
On Monday, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray launched a joint offensive. They urged Thane's voters to resist what they described as Mahayuti's efforts. They claimed these efforts, largely driven by the BJP, aim to marginalize the Marathi manoos in Maharashtra.
Raj Thackeray accused Mahayuti allies of deploying money power. He alleged they are poaching opposition candidates in Thane and Kalyan-Dombivli. Uddhav Thackeray sharpened his attack on the BJP. He argued that without Balasaheb Thackeray's initial support, the BJP might not have survived politically.
Uddhav reiterated the political cost the Shiv Sena paid during its alliance with the BJP. He stated the renewed Thackeray combine has a clear aim. It seeks to safeguard Maharashtra's interests against external political forces.
