Mid-Day Exclusive | BMC Election 2026: “Mumbai is at stake,” warns Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray makes an emphatic point while speaking to mid-day ahead of the civic polls at Matoshree, Bandra East, on Thursday. Pic/Rane Ashish Raje

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has admitted that one may see his reunion with cousin Raj Thackeray as unexpected. However, he said the cousins coming together is driven by a shared commitment to Marathi asmita and the larger interest of Maharashtra. Interestingly, when asked whether there is a possibility of realigning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the future, he neither confirmed nor denied it.

In a wide-ranging interview, Thackeray spoke candidly about Mumbai's worsening civic crisis, air pollution and political realignments ahead of the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Thackeray repeatedly returned to one central theme: that Mumbai itself is what is truly at stake.

Excerpts from an interview:

Mumbaikars face the same problems every year, potholes, broken roads, flooding and no safe space to walk. Can this really change, or should people accept that this is how Mumbai will always be?
There is no denying that Mumbai has always had problems. What is worrying, however, is that these problems have sharply worsened in the last few years. Since February 2022, after the term of 227 BMC corporators ended, the city has been run by administrators. During this period, the situation has deteriorated further, with little accountability and no one to answer citizens' questions. Instead of fixing basic civic issues, the current Maharashtra government, in the name of development, has allowed haphazard construction, whether it is roads, infrastructure projects, redevelopment or unchecked building activity.

Mumbai citizens are already dealing with several problems, and in the past few years, another has been added to the list, poor air quality, which was not as bad a decade ago.
The quality of work has fallen so badly that roads barely last a season, construction dust hangs in the air, and pollution levels have reached dangerous limits. Mumbaikars are no longer just battling potholes and broken roads; they are also struggling to breathe clean air. The situation has become so serious that, like the warning printed on tobacco products, one feels the city now needs caution boards everywhere stating, "Inhaling this air is injurious to health."

During Bal Thackeray's time, there were differences and dissatisfaction within the party, but no one openly rebelled against the organisation. Your leadership style is seen as calmer and more accommodative. Do you believe this difference played a role in the rebellion and eventual split?
Maybe my nature did play a role. But I will not change the way I am. I believe in trusting my cadre and leaders and treating everyone with equal respect, love, and affection. That is how I function, and I see no reason to correct myself for that. I choose to trust people and give them responsibility. It is then up to them to live up to that trust and deliver.

Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005. Did you ever imagine that the two cousins and their parties would come together again?
One may call it unexpected, but this reunion is deeply rooted in Marathi identity and the pride of Maharashtra. We were separated earlier, but when there were attempts to impose Hindi, we felt it was being done to divide us for someone else's political motives. Both Raj and I felt there was no reason to give in to what others wanted. That realisation brought us together. We have come together with the resolve to stay united and stand for Marathi pride and Maharashtra's interests. We intend to stay united forever.

You have often said your differences are not with the entire BJP but with a few leaders at the Centre and in the state. If those leaders were no longer in the picture, would you consider joining hands with the BJP again?
When the time comes, we will see. Why discuss it now? [Neither confirming nor denying the possibility]

Several welfare schemes have been announced, including R1500 monthly assistance to domestic workers and meals at R10. Where will the funding come from? Will this strain the BMC's finances?
This is a valid question, and I am glad it is being asked. We plan to stop unnecessary and haphazard development works that are carried out only to benefit contractors and generate kickbacks for elections. By cutting wasteful spending and prioritising essential projects, funds can be redirected towards genuine welfare schemes.

You launched the Mee Mumbaikar initiative in the early 2000s. At a time when the narrative is increasingly Marathi versus non-Marathi, do you still stand by that inclusive vision?
Marathi people have never hated or clashed with any other community. Tensions arose only when Marathi identity, language or regional pride was provoked. Reactions came in response to such incidents, not out of hostility. For us, anyone who loves and respects Mumbai, its language and Maharashtra's culture is a Mumbaikar. Cordial relations between Marathi and other communities have always existed and will continue to exist. I firmly believe in the Mee Mumbaikar campaign and its inclusive spirit.

Do you believe having the Congress in the alliance could have prevented a split in anti-BJP votes and changed the BMC outcome?
Congress initiated the move and announced it would contest the elections separately. They did not leave space for dialogue or further discussions.

Finally, what is at stake for you personally in this BMC election?
For me, it is Mumbai that is at stake.