After two decades of rivalry, Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP in Mumbai, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The development triggered sharp political reactions across parties
The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Mumbai's Worli area. PIC/ ASHISH RAJE
After two decades of rivalry, Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP in Mumbai, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The development triggered sharp political reactions across parties.
The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the coming together of the two leaders marked a turning point in Maharashtra’s politics.
“Today is a historic day for Maharashtra. The state will stand united with this alliance,” Raut said.
Drawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was aimed at safeguarding the state and its people.
“This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party,” he said.
Reacting to the alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant described the moment as long-awaited. “This is a very auspicious moment. Mumbai has always accommodated everyone. We have never divided people on caste or religion, we have always stood for the Marathi manoos,” Sawant said.
For party workers, the alliance signals the end of years of political distance between the two cousins. Cadres from both parties hope the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will reverse recent electoral setbacks, including the drubbing in panchayat polls.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said the reunion was necessary to protect Mumbai. “People want to loot Mumbai and keep it mortgaged to themselves. Against this, we want to launch a public movement. The people of Mumbai wanted both Thackeray brothers to come together,” he said, expressing confidence that the alliance would make an impact across 28 other municipal corporations.
MNS leader Yashwant Killedar echoed similar sentiments, calling the reunion an emotional moment for party workers. “We have been waiting for this day for a long time. Workers of both parties are extremely excited,” he said, reported ANI.
However, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction dismissed the development as largely symbolic. Party spokesperson Manisha Kayande said, “It may be an emotional moment and a good photo opportunity, but what does it offer the people? Why were Marathi-speaking people divided for the last 20 years? That question remains unanswered.”
Before the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, accompanied by their wives, had paid tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray were also present during the homage.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has described the alliance as one that will strongly advocate the cause of the Marathi manoos (Marathi people).
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling is scheduled for January 15, with counting set for January 16.
(With ANI inputs)
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