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Raj Thackeray had left the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 following differences with Uddhav Thackeray and later formed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
His reelection is a significant moment in Maharashtra politics, especially in Mumbai’s civic scene.
Symbolic reunion on common platform
Both leaders were seen walking across the stage with their families, signaling unity after years of separation.
According to News18, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut described the moment as an “auspicious beginning”.
“This is an auspicious beginning to ensure that the saffron flag continues to fly over the BMC and other municipal corporations. And this can only be done by the Thackeray brothers,” Raut said.
Addressing the gathering, Uddhav Thackeray said they stand together “as Thackeray brothers”. Recalling the family legacy, he said, “It was our grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray who led the fight for Maharashtra. After Maharashtra got Mumbai, the Shiv Sena chief formed the party. It will be 60 years since the formation of Shiv Sena.”
Marathi identity and political message
The former Maharashtra chief minister accused unknown forces of trying to “destroy Mumbai”.
“If we keep fighting, it will be an insult to the martyr. No one can take Mumbai away from the Marathi manus. BJP had then said ‘batenge to katenge’. Now, I am calling out the Marathi manus – if they falter now, they will be divided,” Uddhav Thackeray said.
Taking the microphone next to him, Raj Thackeray stressed on reconciliation. “Maharashtra is bigger than any misunderstanding or fight,” he said, according to News18. “We have started from here. We are not here to tell who will contest on how many seats.”
He confirmed that the alliance would extend to Nashik and said, “We will make the announcement for other corporations after our meeting today,” adding that “the mayor of Mumbai will be a Maharashtrian and it will be from our party”.
Election implications across Maharashtra
The alliance was formed after several weeks of talks on seat-sharing for the elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra.
Politically, this alliance could unite Marathi-speaking voters in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region, where divided votes have previously benefited rival parties, according to News18.
While Shiv Sena (UBT) retains organizational strength, especially in Mumbai and Konkan, MNS brings street-level influence and emotional appeal among urban Marathi youth.
Together, the reunion of the cousins could reshape civic competitions, challenge rival army factions, and make Maharashtra’s municipal elections more competitive and unpredictable.