Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Reunite to Fight Mumbai Local Body Elections Together

Estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray reunited on a public stage in Mumbai on Wednesday, announcing a joint political front for the upcoming municipal and local body elections in the city—a development that places Marathi identity firmly at the centre of Mumbai’s evolving political narrative.

The rapprochement comes nearly two decades after Raj Thackeray parted ways with the Shiv Sena to chart an independent political course following differences with his cousin. Their reunion is widely seen as a significant realignment in Maharashtra politics, particularly in Mumbai, where local elections often serve as a barometer of broader political sentiment.

Addressing the gathering with members of both families present, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said the two leaders were standing together “as Thackeray brothers,” invoking their shared political lineage. He recalled the legacy of their grandfather, Prabodhankar Thackeray, and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, noting that the party will complete 60 years since its formation. Uddhav accused unnamed forces of attempting to “destroy Mumbai” and warned that continued internal divisions would undermine the sacrifices made for Maharashtra.

“No one can ever take Mumbai away from the Marathi manus,” he said, urging unity among Marathi-speaking voters. Drawing on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s oft-used phrase, Uddhav cautioned that “batenge toh katenge,” framing the alliance as a response to the political cost of fragmentation.

Raj Thackeray echoed the call for unity, stating that Maharashtra’s interests transcended past disagreements. “Maharashtra is bigger than any misunderstanding or fight. That is where we have begun,” he said, while clarifying that seat-sharing arrangements had not yet been finalised.

Confirming that the alliance would extend beyond Mumbai, Raj said discussions were underway for other municipal corporations, including Nashik. However, he asserted that Mumbai’s mayor would be a Maharashtrian and would come from their political fold.

The cousins also reached out to disgruntled members of the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the BJP alliance. “Those who are unhappy with what is happening in the BJP can also join us,” Uddhav said, in a clear signal aimed at expanding their emerging political bloc.

The reunion is expected to reshape electoral dynamics in Mumbai, with identity politics, unity among Marathi voters and control of the civic body emerging as key themes in the run-up to the local elections.