20 Years On, Uddhav Thackeray, Cousin Raj Reunite For Civic Polls In Mumbai

Last Updated:December 24, 2025, 12:39 IST

For several days, talks had been underway between the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)

Raj Thackeray with Uddhav at Matoshree | Image: News18

Twenty years after a bitter Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena over differences with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray and formed the MNS, the brothers on Wednesday announced their alliance for the upcoming municipal elections on January 15.

Flanked by their families, as the leaders made their way to the stage, senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut called it as “auspicious beginning". “This is an auspicious beginning to ensure the saffron flag keeps unfolding on BMC and other municipal corporations. And this can only be done by Thackeray brothers," he said.

Addressing the gathering, Uddhav Thackeray said they were on the stage “as Thackeray brothers". “Our grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray was the one who led the fight for Maharashtra. After we got Mumbai in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena Pramukh formed the party. It will be 60 years since the formation of the Shiv Sena."

The former chief minister also accused some people of trying to “destroy Mumbai". “If we keep fighting, it will be an insult to Hutatma. No one can ever take Mumbai away from Marathi Manus. BJP then said ‘Batenge toh Katenge’. Now, I am calling the Marathi Manus—If they falter now, then they will be divided."

News politics 20 Years On, Uddhav Thackeray, Cousin Raj Reunite For Civic Polls In Mumbai

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