Raj Thackeray said that the unity was driven by concern for Mumbai’s future rather than political compulsion. The rally marked a rare public appearance by the Thackeray cousins on the same stage after more than two decades
Raj Thackeray and Uddhav at Shivaji Park on Sunday. Pic/Rane Ashish
Ahead of the BMC Election 2026, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray on Sunday evening shared a stage at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai after over 20 years.
Addressing a gathering of huge crowds, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said that he and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray have come together due to what he described as a growing “danger to Mumbai”.
Raj Thackeray said the unity was driven by concern for Mumbai’s future rather than political compulsion. The rally marked a rare public appearance by the Thackeray cousins on the same stage after more than two decades, amid campaigning for the upcoming civic elections.
Joint rally at Shivaji Park
Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Sunday came together to address an election rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, marking a significant political moment.
It was the first time since the formation of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) that the Thackeray cousins jointly addressed a public rally.
#ShivsenaLive - शिवशक्ती जाहीर सभा | UddhavSaheb Thackeray | RajSaheb Thackeray | शिवतीर्थ, मुंबई https://t.co/nVtI0PFd3s
— ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) January 11, 2026
The two leaders shared a stage for the first time in Nashik on Friday, where they formally announced their alliance and launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led alliance.
‘Differences set aside for Marathi Manoos,’ says Uddhav Thackeray
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing the gathering said that he and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray have put aside their differences for the sake of the Marathi Manoos (people), Hindus and Maharashtra.
Speaking at a joint election rally with Raj Thackeray, Uddhav said the coming together of the Thackeray cousins was driven by concern for the state and its capital.
“We have buried our differences for the Marathi manoos, for Hindus and for Maharashtra,” Uddhav Thackeray said, addressing a large crowd.
Attack on BJP over identity politics
Uddhav Thackeray strongly criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of dividing society ahead of every election.
“The BJP plays Hindu-Muslim and Marathi-non-Marathi politics whenever elections approach,” he alleged.
He said such politics weakens Maharashtra and distracts people from real civic issues such as housing, infrastructure and employment.
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