Will Uddhav Thackeray dump MVA in Mumbai civil polls for Raj? Sanjay Raut explains

India Today

10-07-2025

Amid speculation over a possible political realignment in Maharashtra's Opposition camp, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday sought to clarify that while there is no formal tie-up yet between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), public sentiment is pushing the estranged Thackeray cousins to join forces for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections."I have not said that Shiv Sena and MNS are contesting local body elections together. I said there is pressure and demand from the public that the two parties should contest together. People believe that if the rights of the 'Marathi Maanus' are to be protected, then Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray must come together," Raut said.advertisement"Raj Thackeray has a different style of working. We speak openly, he doesn't. But in the coming days, you will see what unfolds," Raut said.
The Rajya Sabha MP further pointed out that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and INDIA bloc were formed for state and national elections, but local body polls are a different arena altogether. "The INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha elections and the MVA was formed for the Assembly polls. For local body elections, they are not needed — local issues dominate these elections," he said.Raut's remarks came days after Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared the stage at a rally in Mumbai, marking a rare public show of unity after nearly two decades. The rally was held to celebrate the Maharashtra government's rollback of two controversial government resolutions that had proposed introducing Hindi as a third language in Marathi-medium primary schools, a move both parties opposed strongly.During the event, Uddhav Thackeray hinted at a closer association with his cousin. "We have come together and will stay together," he declared, fueling speculation of a joint fight for Mumbai's civic body polls.Raj Thackeray, who broke away from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2006 citing differences with Uddhav, went on to form the MNS with the promise of championing the interests of Marathi-speaking people. However, over the years, both parties have struggled to regain their earlier dominance, especially in Mumbai and other urban pockets once seen as their strongholds.The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Congress — was formed in November 2019 after the Shiv Sena, then led by Uddhav Thackeray, parted ways with its long-time ally, the BJP, following a power-sharing tussle after the Maharashtra Assembly election. The MVA was stitched together to keep the BJP out of power and installed Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister.The alliance survived until June 2022, when a faction led by Eknath Shinde broke away from the Shiv Sena, eventually forming a new government in alliance with the BJP, causing a split in the party. Uddhav Thackeray's faction now operates as Shiv Sena (UBT), while the Shinde faction is officially recognised as the Shiv Sena by the Election Commission.ALL EYES ON BMC POLLSadvertisementThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, likely to be held this year or early next year, are seen as a prestige battle for the Thackerays. The BMC is India's richest civic body, and the Shiv Sena ruled it for over two decades before its grip weakened following the party split and the rise of the BJP in Mumbai.However, the local body elections have been pending for more than five years now, caught in a web of legal hurdles. Key among these are disputes over OBC reservation, the state government's attempt to take over ward delimitation powers from the State Election Commission (SEC), and the previous MVA regime's decision to increase the total number of wards.- EndsMust Watch