Maharashtra News: Will Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Join Hands for Maharashtra’s Local Elections?

In Maharashtra, there’s a lot of talk about whether Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray , two cousins who lead different political parties, will come together for the upcoming local body elections, including the important Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. A recent statement by Anil Parab, a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray, has sparked excitement about this possibility.

The Thackeray Cousins and Their Parties

Uddhav Thackeray leads Shiv Sena (UBT), while Raj Thackeray heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). About 20 years ago, Raj left Shiv Sena to form MNS, and since then, the two cousins have been rivals. Their parties have often split the Marathi vote, which has hurt Shiv Sena (UBT) in elections, especially in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls, where Uddhav’s party won only 20 seats, and MNS won none.

Anil Parab’s Big Statement

Anil Parab, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA, recently said that Uddhav is ready to forget past differences with Raj for the sake of Maharashtra’s people. He believes that both Thackeray cousins could work together to unite Marathi voters. Parab said, “Uddhav is open to moving forward, but Raj needs to decide if he wants to join hands.” This statement has fueled hopes of a possible alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS for the local elections expected around October or November 2025.

Why This Matters

The local body elections, especially the BMC polls, are a big deal in Maharashtra. Mumbai’s BMC is one of the richest civic bodies in India, and controlling it is a matter of pride and power. In the 2017 BMC elections, Shiv Sena won 84 seats, while MNS won 7. However, the split in Marathi votes has often helped other parties like the BJP. If Uddhav and Raj join forces, they could strengthen their hold on Marathi-speaking voters, who make up about 32% of Mumbai’s population, and challenge the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena-Shinde, and NCP).

Signs of Coming Together

The buzz about a reunion started earlier this year when Raj Thackeray said in a podcast that he was willing to put aside differences for Maharashtra’s interests. This was followed by Uddhav showing openness to working together. Recently, the cousins appeared together at a rally in Mumbai on July 5, 2025, called “Awaj Marathicha” (Voice of Marathi), to protest against a government policy on language in schools. This was the first time in 20 years they shared a stage, raising hopes among supporters.

Challenges Ahead

While the idea of an alliance is exciting, it’s not certain yet. Raj Thackeray has asked his party workers to stay quiet on the topic until the election dates are announced, showing he’s being cautious. Both parties also need to convince their workers to work together, as there’s been rivalry for years. Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is confident of winning the BMC polls and doesn’t seem too worried about the Thackeray cousins uniting.

What People Are Saying

Supporters of both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are excited about the possibility of the cousins joining hands. They believe it could help protect Marathi pride and culture. However, some political experts think that even if they unite, it may not make a big difference because Marathi votes could still split, with some going to the BJP or Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Others, like Sanjay Raut from Shiv Sena (UBT), have said this alliance is the “need of the hour” to counter the BJP.

What’s Next?

For now, both Uddhav and Raj are waiting for the official announcement of the local body elections before making a final decision. If they do form an alliance, it could change the game in Mumbai and other cities like Thane, Nashik, and Aurangabad. However, they’ll need to work hard to bring their workers together and win over voters. On the other hand, the Mahayuti alliance is ready to fight back, making the upcoming elections a thrilling contest.