BMC Polls Heat Up as Fadnavis Dismisses Thackeray Reunion, Calls It ‘Manufactured Hype’ Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel Mumbai: The political reunion of estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections has triggered sharp reactions across Maharashtra’s political landscape, with the ruling Mahayuti downplaying the alliance while opposition leaders describe it as a historic turning point in Mumbai politics. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis likened the Shiv Sena (UBT)–Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) tie-up to an overhyped global spectacle, comparing it sarcastically to “Putin–Zelenskyy peace talks.” Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said the alliance was being projected as something far more significant than its actual political impact. “They are creating hype as if Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have come together for peace talks,” Fadnavis remarked, questioning the relevance and electoral strength of the reunion. Thackeray camp hails ‘historic unity’ In sharp contrast, leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS hailed the reunion as a moment of Marathi resurgence. Uddhav Thackeray called for unity among Marathi voters, asserting that division would only weaken Mumbai’s regional identity. Referring to the slogan “Batenge toh katenge,” he warned that repeated political fragmentation could prove fatal for Marathi interests in the city. Raj Thackeray, in a post on X and later at a joint press conference, said the alliance was not merely about seat-sharing but about safeguarding the existence of Marathi people in Mumbai and Maharashtra. He asserted confidently that Mumbai’s next mayor would be Marathi and would belong to the Sena–MNS alliance. “This fight is to bury forces that want to erase Marathi identity from Mumbai,” Raj Thackeray said, underlining that the alliance goes beyond electoral arithmetic. Opposition unity vs ruling alliance attack Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut urged the Congress to join hands to defeat the BJP, while clarifying that seat-sharing discussions within the Thackeray family would be resolved internally. “This is not a business deal. This is a family coming together,” Raut said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Mahayuti, branding it “Mahajhoothi” and accusing it of looting public funds and neglecting civic governance. She highlighted that BMC elections had not been held for over three years and alleged large-scale misuse of municipal resources. “For us, politics is public service. For them, it is only about power and money,” Chaturvedi said, calling the Thackeray reunion historic and timely. Mahayuti remains dismissive Leaders from the ruling alliance remained unconvinced. Fadnavis accused both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray of opportunistic politics and claimed their parties had lost relevance due to appeasement strategies. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC expressed confidence that Mahayuti would secure a decisive victory, citing development schemes and housing projects for Marathi citizens under the current government. Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat described the alliance as a product of political helplessness, alleging that the lack of support from Congress and Sharad Pawar’s faction forced Uddhav Thackeray to seek Raj Thackeray’s backing. Civic battle intensifies With the State Election Commission announcing polling for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, on January 15 and counting on January 16, the Thackeray cousins’ reunion has undeniably altered the political narrative. Whether it proves to be a symbolic gesture or a decisive electoral force will be tested when Mumbai votes. For now, the reunion has injected fresh intensity into the civic election campaign, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched municipal contests in Maharashtra’s recent history.