Finally, the Thackerays are seeming to have finally found a way to become one. Following their continuous deliberations of joining hands over the last few weeks, it is being believed that once estranged brothers, Uddhav and Raj Thackery, have made up their mind to fight the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) unitedly.
The two cousins, estranged for years due to ideological and political differences, have chosen to put aside past rivalries in a bid to strengthen their position in Mumbai’s civic politics.
This move is being seen as a significant development in Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially with the BMC elections considered the most prestigious and high-stakes battle after the state assembly polls. The Thackeray cousins are now preparing to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been aggressively working to expand its influence in Mumbai.
Both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reportedly agreed that unity was essential to protect the legacy of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, whose vision of Mumbai remains at the heart of their politics. Supporters believe this alliance could consolidate Marathi votes and give the Thackeray family a renewed dominance over the city’s civic affairs.
Political analysts suggest that this partnership may not only reshape Mumbai’s civic elections but also alter the balance of power in Maharashtra. While the BJP remains a formidable opponent with its strong organisational network, the emotional and cultural connect of the Thackerays with the city cannot be underestimated. Many also see this reunion as an attempt to reclaim lost ground after the Shiv Sena split in 2022, which weakened Uddhav’s base and allowed the BJP to reclaim the state’s power. This happened also because of the BJP’s alliance with Eknath Sinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party.
As campaign strategies unfold, the coming weeks will determine whether this historic reunion can translate into electoral success. For now, the unity of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray has injected new energy and excitement into the political battle for Mumbai, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most closely watched civic polls in recent memory.
