Shiv Sena UBT, MNS announce alliance ahead municipal elections

After several rounds of talks, meetings, family gatherings and cultural exchanges, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announced a political alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the upcoming municipal body elections in Maharashtra, including polls to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Wednesday.Declaring the unity of the two parties, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said, “We have come together to stay together.” Echoing the sentiment, Raj Thackeray said that the larger interest of the state outweighed past differences. “Maharashtra is more important than any dispute or difference,” he remarked.While formally announcing the alliance, the cousins refrained from revealing seat-sharing arrangements, stating that details would be worked out and announced at a later stage.
Earlier in the day, Uddhav Thackeray, accompanied by his wife Rashmi and son Aaditya, drove from Matoshree, the family residence in Bandra, to Raj Thackeray’s home Shivteerth in Shivaji Park. During the visit, the two leaders sought blessings from Kundatai, Raj Thackeray’s mother.The reunion carried strong symbolic significance, rooted in family ties. Uddhav’s father, the late Balasaheb Thackeray, and Raj’s father, the late Shrikant Thackeray, a noted music composer, were brothers. Uddhav’s mother Meenatai and Raj’s mother Kundatai are sisters.Uddhav was accompanied by his wife Rashmi, while Raj Thackeray was joined by his spouse Sharmila during the meeting.
Formally launching the Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray also extended an open invitation to others disenchanted with the ruling party. “Those who cannot bear to see what is happening within the BJP can also come with the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance,” he said.The announcement marks a significant political development in the state, setting the stage for a closely watched contest in the forthcoming civic elections.