In a major political move ahead of the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray are expected to publicly demonstrate political unity, marking a rare coming together of the Thackeray cousins after years of political separation.
The two leaders are scheduled to visit the memorial of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this morning, a gesture widely seen as symbolic of reclaiming Balasaheb’s ideological legacy through a combined political front. Soon after, both leaders are expected to jointly address the media, where they are likely to formally announce their alliance for the upcoming civic body elections.
The municipal corporation elections, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are slated for January 15, 2026, with results expected two days later. These elections are being viewed as a litmus test for political strength in Maharashtra’s urban centres.
According to sources, negotiations between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have intensified over the past few days. A late-night meeting held earlier this week reportedly helped both sides reach broad consensus on seat-sharing arrangements, though some fine-tuning remains. While Uddhav Thackeray is said to have pushed for an early announcement, Raj Thackeray had initially preferred completing all negotiations before making the alliance public.
Beyond the Sena-MNS tie-up, parallel political discussions are also unfolding in Pune, where efforts are underway to explore a broader opposition coalition. Talks involving leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi, MNS and factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have taken place, though no final agreement has been reached so far.
Sources indicate that Ajit Pawar has held informal discussions with Congress leaders regarding potential cooperation in Pune’s civic elections. However, these talks are still at a preliminary stage. At the same time, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction is weighing its options, with internal consultations underway to decide whether to align with Shiv Sena (UBT) or the Congress.
A key meeting of senior NCP leaders, including Supriya Sule, is expected in Mumbai today, where the party’s civic election strategy may be finalised.
