Setting the political temperature soaring ahead of the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday jointly released their election manifesto, titled ‘Vachan Nama’, in Mumbai. Presenting it as a promise made directly to the people, the cousins positioned the document as a counter-narrative to what they described as “power misuse and electoral manipulation” by the ruling alliance.

Addressing the media, Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp offensive against the BJP and Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. He alleged that democratic norms were being openly undermined, claiming that candidates were being pressured and voters denied their right to choose through unopposed elections. Uddhav demanded strict action against Narwekar, accusing him of overstepping constitutional limits and influencing the electoral process outside the Assembly’s jurisdiction.

Escalating his attack, Uddhav also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Centre of turning democracy into “mob rule.” Using biting sarcasm, he questioned grand claims of leadership while alleging failures on issues closer to home, including delayed promises and alleged electoral misconduct. He challenged the Election Commission to make public the call records of returning officers, asserting that transparency was the only way to restore public trust.

Raj Thackeray, meanwhile, warned the BJP against assuming permanent control of power. Drawing parallels with past political shifts, he questioned the ruling party’s silence over unopposed victories in Maharashtra while having challenged similar outcomes in other states. Raj accused the BJP of diluting Maharashtra’s progressive political legacy and cautioned that arrogance in power has historically led to downfall.