In a significant political development in Maharashtra, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to formally announce a strategic alliance between their respective parties for the upcoming civic body elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will join forces, marking a major realignment in the state's political landscape ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Formal Announcement and Seat-Sharing Formula
The official announcement of this political pact is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at a press conference in Worli, as confirmed by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. This move comes after the successful finalization of a seat-sharing agreement between the two parties. According to functionaries from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Sena, the proposed formula allocates 145 to 150 seats in Mumbai to the Shiv Sena (UBT), while the MNS is set to contest 65 to 70 seats. Furthermore, 10 to 12 seats will be offered to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) as part of the arrangement.
In a gesture seen as crucial for the alliance's harmony, the Sena (UBT) has reportedly conceded 12 to 15 seats where it previously had corporators to the MNS. It is noteworthy that a majority of these former corporators have since switched allegiance to the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Final Touches and Broader Alliance Talks
Sanjay Raut stated that the final details of the agreement were ironed out on Monday night. He emphasized that workers from both parties have accepted the alliance and there is no lingering disagreement over the seat-sharing matrix. Raut traced the genesis of this partnership back to July when the two Thackeray brothers came together for a public event in Worli.
Regarding other parties, Raut clarified that the issue of an alliance with the Congress is currently closed, as the Congress has decided to go solo in the BMC elections. However, he indicated that the Sena (UBT) would continue its dialogue with the Congress until the end. On a broader front, Raut confirmed that seat-sharing discussions for other major municipal corporations, including Nashik, Pune, Kalyan-Dombivli (KDMC), Thane, and Mira Bhayandar, have been concluded. Talks are also ongoing with NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil regarding a wider alliance, who is in direct communication with Uddhav Thackeray.
Unity for Marathi Cause and Party Morale
MNS functionary Sandeep Deshpande echoed a sentiment of unity, stating that all internal tussles have been resolved. He acknowledged some last-minute discussions focused on candidate selection and electoral winnability but affirmed that the primary goal is a united front for Mumbai and the Marathi community. Deshpande confidently asserted that no one in either party is upset and that workers are prepared to make sacrifices for the city's sake, ensuring there will be no rebel candidates.
This formalization of the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance represents a powerful consolidation of the Thackeray political legacy and is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of the Mumbai civic polls, setting the stage for a direct contest with the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and its allies.
