The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) announced on Thursday a historic alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray, calling the reunion of the Thackeray cousins a “revolutionary” move and a source of strength for the Marathi community. The party described the alliance as a “good omen” for Maharashtra, aimed at defeating those they consider “traitors to the state.”
In its mouthpiece, Saamana, the party editorial said the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena may claim they are “not afraid” of the united Thackeray front, but this hides deep-seated fear. The editorial added that the message of the alliance is clear: Maharashtra will now resist injustice, and the Marathi people will stand united to protect their interests.
The formal announcement came on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, after months of talks and joint appearances for social and cultural causes. The alliance will contest upcoming municipal corporation elections in Mumbai and Nashik on a “Marathi pride” platform. Uddhav Thackeray appealed emotionally to Mumbaikars, saying, “Phutaal tar sampaal (we will be destroyed if we are divided).” Raj Thackeray echoed the sentiment, asserting, “Maharashtra is bigger than the differences between the two of us,” and emphasizing that the next Mumbai mayor would be a Marathi manoos, from either party.
While the cousins did not reveal the seat-sharing formula, sources said Shiv Sena (UBT) would contest around 120–130 seats, MNS around 50–60, and talks were ongoing with NCP(SP) to fight a few seats. Raj Thackeray described the alliance as a response to political “child-abduction gangs” in Maharashtra, referring to the BJP and Shinde’s faction. Party leaders said the coming together of the Thackerays is an emotional moment for Marathi-speaking Mumbaikars and would have a positive impact on the elections.
Congress welcomed the alliance, with leader Vijay Waddettiwar saying, “It is good if the family comes together. We extend our best wishes to them.” He noted that while Congress had hoped to contest the BMC polls with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, it was not willing to partner with the MNS.
However, Mahayuti leaders criticized the alliance, calling it a move for political survival. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “I am glad they have come together, but I don’t think it will have much impact. Their track record is of corruption and self-interest. They bank on emotional appeal during elections, but people are smart now.”
The Thackeray camp described the alliance as a sacred vow to protect the welfare of the Marathi people rather than a transactional political deal. An editorial in Saamana accused the BJP and Shinde faction of serving “Delhi” and working to weaken the Marathi manoos through economic and cultural policies. It warned against outsiders and wealthy businessmen allegedly attempting to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra and claimed that the BJP prioritizes builders over the local Marathi population. The editorial argued that the alliance was necessary to protect Maharashtra’s interests and counter the central government’s perceived neglect of the state.
The Thackeray brothers’ reunion, the editorial said, reflects a readiness for sacrifice to safeguard Mumbai and Maharashtra, with a firm stand against forces that threaten the state’s unity and influence in national politics.
