Thu Dec 25 09:28:39 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
Summary:
On December 25, 2025, The Hindu reported that the recently announced alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is facing a hurdle in seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The primary point of contention is Ward No. 114 in Bhandup, a Marathi-speaking area where both parties have a strong presence. MNS is vying for the seat for a local leader, while Sena (UBT) is considering relatives of prominent figures, including an ex-MLA’s wife and an MP’s daughter. While MNS views this as potentially sending the wrong message, Sena (UBT) defends its candidates due to their active involvement in the party’s youth wing. The BMC elections, along with elections for 29 other civic corporations in Maharashtra, are scheduled for January 15, 2026, with nominations closing on December 30.
News Article:
Thackeray Alliance Faces Early Hiccup Over Mumbai Seat-Sharing Dispute
Mumbai, December 25, 2025 – The recently forged alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray respectively, is facing its first challenge as the parties struggle to finalize seat-sharing arrangements for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections slated for January 15.
The sticking point is Ward No. 114 in Bhandup, a stronghold for both parties. Sources within MNS indicate they are demanding the seat for a local leader. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) is reportedly considering fielding the wife of a former MLA or Rajool Patil, the daughter of Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Dina Patil.
An MNS functionary stated, “We have been asking for this ward for our local leader. Giving it to relatives of prominent figures will send the wrong message to our base.”
Despite the disagreement, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut insisted seat-sharing talks were complete and defended the potential candidacy of party leaders’ relatives, citing their active roles in the Yuva Sena, the party’s youth wing.
The BMC elections, highly anticipated as a bellwether for political sentiment in Maharashtra, will be held alongside elections for 29 other civic corporations across the state. The nomination process began on December 23 and will conclude on December 30. The results will be announced on January 16. Political analysts are closely watching how the Thackeray alliance navigates this initial hurdle, as it could set the tone for their future collaboration. In the 2017 BMC polls, the undivided Shiv Sena won 84 seats, the BJP secured 82, and MNS took 7.
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