'Silence Cost Us': Ahead of BMC Polls, Uddhav Thackeray Urges Sena Cadre To Rectify 'Mistakes'

Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 16:58 IST

Thackeray referred to the missteps in the 2019 Assembly elections where the Shiv Sena (UBT) faced setbacks due to poor voter communication and internal rifts.

Uddhav Thackeray addressed a key meeting of party shakha pramukhs (branch heads) at Shiv Sena Bhavan. (Image: PTI)

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has asked his party leaders and grassroots workers to rectify the mistakes made during the last assembly elections and focus on reconnecting with voters in the run-up to upcoming civic polls. Addressing a key meeting of party shakha pramukhs (branch heads) at Shiv Sena Bhavan, Uddhav Thackeray emphasised the importance of direct voter engagement and local performance to regain lost political ground. Highlighting the role of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under Shiv Sena’s leadership, Thackeray reminded party workers of the significant public welfare work done through the civic body.

“Through the BMC, we provided water, health, education, cleanliness, and transportation facilities to Mumbaikars. We even completed important coastal projects," he said. “Despite all this, we failed to communicate effectively with voters during the last Assembly elections. Our opponents took advantage of this gap. We must now correct this mistake."

He referred to the missteps in the 2019 Assembly elections where the Shiv Sena faced setbacks due to poor voter communication and internal rifts. Thackeray said the party must regain voter trust and not let opposition narratives dominate. He directed local unit heads to reach out to voters, understand their issues, and highlight the work done by the party in past terms.

“Our silence has cost us dearly," he said, urging leaders to actively take the party’s message to every doorstep. The meeting, held at the iconic Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar, saw the participation of all major shakha pramukhs from Mumbai. Thackeray took stock of preparations for the upcoming BMC elections and sought detailed reports on voter outreach campaigns. He also discussed the party’s current challenges and strategies for electoral revival in both municipal and state elections.

In a veiled criticism of the ruling Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the current state government, Thackeray said that today’s rulers have shown voters “a dream, not reality," and it is time for his party to “expose those hollow promises". He also praised the party’s women’s wing, active shakhas, and grassroots volunteers who continued to work despite political setbacks. “The upcoming elections are not just about seats but about principles, identity, and Mumbai’s development," he said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief stressed the need for unity and accountability within the party. “Every worker matters now. Every shakha is a battleground," he declared, motivating the cadre to prepare intensively for the polls. With civic elections approaching later this year, Thackeray’s address marks a clear shift in strategy — from internal restructuring to mass-level outreach — as the party looks to reclaim its influence in Maharashtra politics.

News politics 'Silence Cost Us': Ahead of BMC Polls, Uddhav Thackeray Urges Sena Cadre To Rectify 'Mistakes'