Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS Alliance Announced for Maharashtra Polls

Mumbai, India – In a significant development ahead of the January 15, 2026, municipal elections across 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announced an alliance on Wednesday, aiming to contest key polls including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) while emphasizing Marathi identity.

The formal declaration came during a joint interaction at Shivaji Park, where the Thackeray cousins, estranged political rivals for nearly two decades, paid homage at the Bal Thackeray memorial before addressing supporters. Raj Thackeray stated, "Maharashtra was waiting for this moment. I officially declare that Shiv Sena and MNS are alliance partners." He described the partnership as transcending personal feuds, noting that "Maharashtra is bigger than any dispute or fight." Uddhav Thackeray urged unity among Marathi voters, warning, "If you get divided now, you will be completely destroyed. So don't get divided, don't split, don't waste the Marathi pride." The leaders vowed to ensure a Marathi mayor from their alliance in Mumbai and to counter efforts they view as undermining local authority over the city.