08 January,2026 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. File pic
The reunion of the two Thackeray cousins for the BMC Election 2026 has raised questions over whether the alliance would be short-lived. Putting an end to speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that he and MNS chief Raj Thackeray will never part ways, news agency PTI reported.
While talking to the media on Thursday, Uddhav said, "Till the time we came together, people used to ask us as to why we are not coming together. Now they are asking why we have come together and for how long we will stay together."
"These things don't mean a lot. We have come together after much thought and understanding. Now, we will never part ways and stay united," added the former Maharashtra CM.
Last month, Udhav and Raj had announced to fight the polls together after nearly two decades and announced an alliance for the January 15 civic polls in Mumbai as well as 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra.
When asked if Uddhav, the political leader, prevails over Uddhav, the avid photographer, the Sena-UBT chief said, "I am originally an artist. I am the son of a cartoonist (Sena founder Bal Thackeray). You can buy a work of art, but you can't buy art. Art has to be in the blood. I am a person who is at home in the arts."
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief further recalled that it was Raj's father Shrikant who gave him his first camera and it still holds a very special place in his heart.
When asked if he sees any other political leader who has âart in his blood', Uddhav replied, â(PM) Modi ji is one such person. Do you think of anyone else?'
In view of strengthening their hold ahead of the BMC Election 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, along with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, is gearing up to hold a joint public rally in Mumbai's Shivaji Park, sources said.
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are likely to address a massive public rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar on January 11, they said.
The Thackeray cousins will organise the rally to strengthen their hold ahead of the polls that are scheduled on January 15.
As a part of their campaign strategy, the joint rally by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will underscore a rare united front between the two leaders.
(With inputs from PTI)
