Wed Dec 24 11:18:04 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on January 15th, 2026, Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena (UBT)) and his cousin Raj Thackeray (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)) announced a formal alliance. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis downplayed the alliance, dismissing it as a desperate attempt for political survival fueled by corruption and self-interest. Fadnavis questioned their track record and defended his government’s vision for Mumbai. BJP leader Ashish Shelar criticized the alliance, questioning Raj Thackeray’s past criticisms of both the BJP and Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy and political opportunism driving the reunion.
News Article:
Thackeray Cousins Unite Ahead of Mumbai Elections, Fadnavis Scoffs at Alliance
Mumbai, December 24, 2025 – In a move shaking up the political landscape of Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), and his cousin Raj Thackeray, president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), today announced a formal alliance between their parties. The announcement comes just weeks before the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15th, 2026.
The alliance, ending months of speculation, aims to challenge the current political order in the city. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis swiftly dismissed the union as a self-serving act of desperation.
“Their track record is of corruption and self-interest,” Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai. “This alliance is for their own political survival and it will not make any significant political difference. It is childish if anyone thinks otherwise.” Fadnavis further mocked the hype surrounding the announcement, stating that news channels were covering it as if it were an event of international significance.
Echoing Fadnavis’ sentiments, BJP leader and Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar questioned the motives behind the alliance, pointing to Raj Thackeray’s past criticisms of both the BJP and Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership. “Marathi voters are asking why Uddhav and Raj Thackeray had split up earlier,” Shelar said, reminding the public of Raj Thackeray’s earlier accusations of a coterie surrounding Balasaheb Thackeray and driving a wedge between uncle and nephew.
Shelar also reminded the public of Raj Thackarey’s earlier public criticisms of BJP leader, stating that the BJP was not fulfilling promises.
The alliance is expected to significantly impact the upcoming BMC elections, however, its success will depend on whether the Thackeray cousins can overcome their past differences and convince voters that this alliance is more than just a marriage of convenience. The ruling government maintains that the reunion has come too late.
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