Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has clarified his recent comments that sparked political speculation about a possible alliance between Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the crucial Mumbai municipal elections.
In a statement on Thursday, Raut said he did not claim that the two parties were contesting together, but acknowledged there is "significant public pressure" for such an alliance, especially from Marathi-speaking voters in Mumbai who are concerned about their representation in the upcoming local body polls.
“I didn’t say MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) are contesting elections together,” Raut explained. “What I said was that people are urging both parties to come together for the Mumbai civic elections. There is a strong sentiment that if Mumbai is to be saved and the rights of the Marathi Maanus protected, then Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray must join forces.”
#WATCH | Mumbai | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "I have not said that Shiv Sena and MNS are contesting (local body) elections together. I said that there is pressure and demand from the public on Shiv Sena and MNS to contest local body elections together. People think that… pic.twitter.com/Raw8ufI8jA
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Raut’s comments come amid rising local political activity in Mumbai as the city gears up for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections — India’s richest civic body — later this year. With both Shiv Sena factions (UBT and Eknath Shinde-led) vying for control and the BJP also expanding its influence in Mumbai, the role of MNS has become a topic of renewed interest in political circles.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP further stated that the INDIA bloc, a national opposition coalition formed to challenge the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, created for state-level coordination, are not necessarily relevant in local elections. “The INDIA bloc was for the Lok Sabha. The MVA was for Assembly polls. Local body elections are different — they are fought over local issues,” Raut said.
He emphasized that decisions regarding municipal elections should be made by taking into account the sentiments of the people and the unique challenges faced by urban voters, particularly in Mumbai. “Raj Thackeray has a different style of working, but the demand for a united Marathi leadership in Mumbai is real,” he added.
