In a clear pre-election signal, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has rolled out a detailed booklet showcasing the decisions and actions taken by his government during the COVID-19 crisis in Maharashtra. The publication focuses on his tenure as chief minister and highlights how the state machinery responded to the unprecedented public health emergency, especially in Mumbai’s high-risk zones.

Released on Sunday, the booklet documents key interventions during the pandemic, with special emphasis on containment efforts in densely populated areas such as Dharavi, which once emerged as a national talking point due to fears of uncontrolled virus spread. According to party leaders, the material is aimed at reminding voters of the administrative approach adopted under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government between 2019 and 2022.

The timing of the release is politically significant. With civic elections approaching, Thackeray appears keen to project his leadership credentials and governance track record, particularly in contrast to the current ruling dispensation in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The country’s richest civic body has long been a stronghold of the undivided Shiv Sena, and regaining control of it remains a major objective for the UBT faction.

The development also comes days after the Shiv Sena (UBT) announced an alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, for the Mumbai civic polls. While the alliance has generated political buzz, both parties are yet to declare their candidates.

Elections to 29 civic bodies across Maharashtra, including the BMC, are scheduled for January 15, with vote counting set for January 16. As campaigning gathers pace, Thackeray’s renewed focus on his COVID-era governance suggests that administrative performance will be a key plank of his election strategy in Mumbai.