05 January,2026 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have come together in an alliance for the high-stakes BMC polls. File pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray have opted to visit party shakhas instead of addressing multiple rallies ahead of the BMC Election 2026, reported the PTI.
The move is being seen as a strategic recalibration aimed at directly engaging with the maximum number of voters.
Earlier, the two leaders were expected to address three rallies in Mumbai -- one each in the eastern and western suburbs, along with a mega rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar. However, they are now jointly scheduled to visit party offices across the city on Monday.
On Sunday night, Uddhav Thackeray campaigned in ward number 2 in Dahisar, north Mumbai, in support of Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Dhanashri Kolge. Kolge is contesting against Tejasvi Ghosalkar, a former Sena (UBT) corporator who is now the BJP nominee.
Speaking to reporters, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said that only one public meeting would be held at Shivaji Park.
"Instead of expending energy on rallies, when party workers are already campaigning, it is important to reach out directly to the people," Sanjay Raut said, according to the PTI.
Raut added that both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray deliberated on the issue on Sunday and jointly decided to limit their rallies. While Mumbai will see only one mega rally at Shivaji Park, a public meeting is planned in Thane. Discussions are also under way regarding rallies in Kalyan and Dombivli, along with a joint rally in Nashik.
Additionally, Uddhav Thackeray is scheduled to address a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Last month, Raut had indicated that the Thackeray cousins would hold three joint rallies in Mumbai, as well as meetings in Thane, Nashik, Kalyan and Dombivli. The revised plan reflects a shift towards grassroots-level campaigning rather than large-scale public gatherings, the PTI reported.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, are scheduled for January 15. Setting aside past differences in the name of the "Marathi manoos", Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have come together in an alliance for the high-stakes BMC polls.
Meanwhile, the MNS on Monday urged the State Election Commission to withhold the declaration of results of candidates elected unopposed to the Thane Municipal Corporation and other civic bodies across Maharashtra, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the matter, as per the PTI.
The demand follows the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance securing 68 seats unopposed in municipal corporation elections scheduled to be held on January 15. Opposition parties have alleged that candidates were coerced into withdrawing nominations through intimidation and financial inducements.
MNS leader Avinash Jadhav met the State Election Commission and submitted a detailed representation outlining the circumstances under which 68 candidates were elected unopposed, including several seats in Thane. The party has called for the formation of a high-level joint committee comprising retired judges and senior police officials to investigate the alleged irregularities, the news agency reported.
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(with PTI inputs)
