Wed Dec 24 21:05:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the article and a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
In a surprising political move, Uddhav Thackeray, Chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, Chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), have announced an alliance between their parties ahead of upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra. The cousins aim to revive the “Thackeray brand” and capitalize on the emotional appeal of their shared legacy connected to Marathi identity and the Shiv Sena’s historical roots. However, the alliance faces significant challenges. Mumbai’s demographics have changed, diluting the Marathi-speaking population’s singular power. Both parties have experienced recent political setbacks. The alliance has also led to the breakup of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, as the Congress party refuses to align with Raj Thackeray and will fight against the Shiv Sena (UBT). Questions of trust between the cousins remain, particularly concerning seat-sharing and past political differences. The alliance aims to consolidate the Marathi vote and compete with the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena on a Hindutva platform.
News Article:
Thackeray Cousins Unite: Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS Announce Alliance for Local Elections
Mumbai, December 25, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), and his cousin Raj Thackeray, chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), have announced a formal alliance between their parties. The announcement, made yesterday in Mumbai, signals a major shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape as the two parties gear up for upcoming municipal corporation elections.
The Thackeray cousins, invoking the legacy of their grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray and their respective fathers, framed the alliance as a necessary step to protect the interests of the Marathi “manoos” (people). They emphasized their shared lineage and the Shiv Sena’s historical role in fighting for Marathi rights. Both leaders made a point to pay their respects at Bal Thackeray’s memorial prior to the joint address.
“Maharashtra’s interest is bigger than the differences between the two of us,” Raj Thackeray stated at the press conference.
However, political analysts are skeptical about the alliance’s potential for success. Mumbai’s changing demographics and the diminished political strength of both parties pose significant challenges. Furthermore, the alliance has already triggered the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, with the Congress party refusing to align with the MNS due to its perceived divisive and communal nature. Congress has stated they will fight against Shiv Sena (UBT) in the upcoming elections.
“This is a high-stakes gamble for Uddhav Thackeray,” said political commentator Priya Sharma. “He’s sacrificing a larger coalition to reunite with his cousin, hoping to recapture the ‘Thackeray brand’ magic. But the political landscape has changed dramatically.”
The alliance aims to consolidate the Marathi vote and potentially provide a stronger challenge to the BJP and the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, questions remain regarding the details of seat-sharing arrangements and the level of trust between the two leaders, who have been political rivals for two decades.
The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of the Thackeray cousins’ ability to overcome past differences and recapture the political dominance their family once held in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. The battle for votes will now unfold on a Hindutva plank, with the Thackeray cousins, BJP, and Shinde all vying for dominance.
First Piper 