Speculation is rife over a possible pre-poll alliance for the upcoming BMC elections after Thackeray cousins Raj and Uddhav met for 2.45 hours on Wednesday at Raj’s residence ‘Shivtirth’ in Dadar. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also joined the meeting. The election of 227 BMC corporators, along with polls in 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra, is likely to be held by late 2025 or early 2026.
A senior leader from the UBT camp said it was difficult to know what exactly transpired between the two cousins but hinted that the discussions may have focused on ironing out differences ahead of a possible alliance. Both Raj and Uddhav have a common vote bank, hence before the poll pact, the key issues have to be addressed. Key issues to be resolved include seat-sharing, managing workers of both parties on the ground, leadership roles, and campaign strategy.
Neither Raj nor Uddhav commented after the meeting. However, MNS leader Avinash Jadhav dropped a hint: “Maharashtra knows what can happen when two Thackeray brothers come together. The work has already started on the ground.” On Thursday, Raj called a meeting of senior MNS leaders to discuss alliances and poll strategies. Raut had earlier suggested that a Sena (UBT)-MNS pact could extend beyond Mumbai, covering civic polls in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Nashik as well.
Uddhav (left) and Raj Thackeray at the inauguration of Air Corporation Employees’ Co-operative Bank Ltd near the airport in April 2005, 11 months before the latter went on to form the MNS. File pic/Rane Ashish
In the 2017 BMC elections, the undivided Shiv Sena won 84 seats, while the BJP bagged 82. The MNS secured seven but quickly lost six corporators to Uddhav’s camp. After the 2022 split engineered by Eknath Shinde, Uddhav has lost 53 of his 84 corporators. With Uddhav fighting to retain his base and Raj seeking political relevance, the civic polls are seen as make-or-break for both. Recently, the cousins had come together to oppose the government’s move to introduce a three-language formula in schools, forcing its withdrawal.
If they now join hands for the BMC, the contest could turn into a high-stakes battle: Uddhav’s camp fighting to hold the civic body, BJP and allies looking to wrest control, and Raj seeing a shot at political revival.
Congress plays safe
Reacting to the meeting, the Congress said it would first consult local leaders and the party high command before deciding on its stand. The party is cautious given Raj’s past hardline positions on migrants and minorities, which could create problems at the national level. Sources said Uddhav is keen on joining hands with Raj, even if it means stepping out of the MVA for local polls. Meanwhile, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule said, “Once a formal proposal comes, discussion can happen as we are open to like-minded parties.”
