“Unity of Marathi People Cannot Be Broken”: Talks of Uddhav–Raj Thackeray Alliance Heat Up Ahead of Civic Polls

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political landscape is stirring with the possibility of a rare reunion — Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray may join forces for the upcoming local body and municipal corporation elections.

Though neither leader has confirmed an official alliance, Friday’s remarks from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut have added fuel to the speculation. Addressing the media, Raut said, “Discussions are ongoing for all these municipal corporations. No matter what forces try to intervene, the unity of Marathi people cannot be broken.” He claimed that a united Thackeray front could secure wins in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Kalyan, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The idea of an alliance first began circulating earlier this year when both leaders came together over the Marathi language issue. The buzz grew stronger after Raj Thackeray visited Uddhav Thackeray’s residence ‘Matoshree’ on his birthday, marking a rare public show of warmth between the cousins.

BJP MLA Pravin Darekar, however, dismissed the move, saying, “The Thackeray faction is like an impatient groom who has already tied the knot in his head. Raut fears that without Raj Thackeray, his party’s survival is in danger.”

Adding to the speculation, Raj Thackeray himself hinted at cooperation during a meeting with MNS office-bearers on Thursday. He reportedly told party workers, “In Mumbai, only Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have deep grassroots strength. Start working immediately.” He also stressed the need for voter list verification, an issue MNS has raised since 2017.