Thackeray Cousins Set for Joint Rally Blitz Ahead of Civic Polls

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel

Mumbai:

In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray are set to launch a joint rally campaign across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The cousins are expected to address seven to eight joint rallies between January 2 and January 13, marking their first shared political rally platform in nearly two decades.

According to Sena (UBT) functionaries, at least three major joint rallies are planned in Mumbai during the final phase of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) campaign. These rallies will cover the city, western suburbs, and eastern suburbs, with the aim of concluding the electioneering on a high-voltage note. Similar joint rallies are also scheduled in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and other key parts of the MMR.

Party leaders said the joint rallies will be the centre of attraction of the campaign, with both Thackeray cousins expected to strike an emotional chord with voters by reviving the Marathi Manoos narrative while launching sharp attacks on the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Despite the seat-sharing talks between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS still being finalised, preparations for the rallies are already underway. The joint events are expected to take place after the December 30 deadline for nomination filing and withdrawals, allowing the alliance to shift full focus to aggressive campaigning.

Seat-sharing talks continue

Sources indicated that under the proposed seat-sharing formula, Shiv Sena (UBT) may contest around 145 to 150 seats, the MNS is likely to get 65 to 70 seats, while 10 to 12 seats could be allocated to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). Sena (UBT) is said to have vacated 12 to 15 of its existing seats for the MNS, many of which were earlier represented by corporators who later joined the Shinde-led Sena or the BJP.

A senior Sena (UBT) functionary said the joint rallies would have a strong emotional and political impact. “The two cousins will share the stage and address political rallies together after 20 years. Until now, they have only appeared together at meetings and press conferences. These rallies will energise our cadre and significantly raise the pitch against the Mahayuti,” the leader said.

Alliance rooted in emotion and responsibility

The formal alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS was announced earlier this week after several rounds of discussions, family meetings, and cultural interactions. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray made the announcement at a joint press conference in Worli, where both leaders emphasised unity and responsibility towards Maharashtra.

Addressing Marathi voters, Uddhav Thackeray warned that division at this stage could prove disastrous. “If you get divided or make any mistake now, you will be completely finished,” he said, calling the reunion a duty towards Maharashtra.

Raj Thackeray echoed the sentiment, stating that Maharashtra is bigger than any personal dispute or political rivalry. While no official seat-sharing formula was announced, Raj clarified that candidates would be informed directly about filing their nominations.

With the civic polls fast approaching, the Thackeray cousins’ joint rally blitz is expected to reshape the political narrative in Mumbai and surrounding regions, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched municipal battles in recent years.