Sun Jan 04 01:45:00 UTC 2026: Here’s a news article summarizing the reunification of the Thackeray cousins’ political parties, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, in Maharashtra:
Thackeray Cousins Unite for Mumbai’s Future, Forge Electoral Alliance After Years of Estrangement
Mumbai, January 4, 2026 – In a move that’s shaking up Maharashtra politics, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray, head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), have announced a landmark electoral alliance. The reunion marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, driven by a shared concern for Marathi identity and a desire to regain lost ground.
The formal announcement, made on Christmas Eve, sets the stage for a united front in the upcoming January 15th municipal corporation elections across 29 cities. The alliance is primarily focused on Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and Nashik.
The seeds of reconciliation were sown last year when the cousins publicly celebrated the Maharashtra government’s reversal of a controversial three-language policy that would have mandated Hindi in primary education. This symbolic victory, dubbed “Marathi Vijay Diwas,” highlighted their shared commitment to protecting Marathi language and culture.
The reunification evokes the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, the charismatic founder of Shiv Sena, who championed the “Marathi manoos” (Marathi people) and built a formidable political force. The cousins’ joint agenda centers on safeguarding regional linguistic identity and addressing perceived threats to this identity from “outsiders,” echoing Balasaheb’s original platform.
While details of seat-sharing arrangements for the elections remain undisclosed, sources suggest Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest the majority of seats, with MNS playing a significant role in key urban areas. The alliance also includes Sharad Pawar’s NCP.
This reunion is more than just a political strategy; it’s a family saga playing out on a public stage. The announcement event featured a display of family unity, with Rashmi Uddhav Thackeray and Sharmila Raj Thackeray seated together. Analysts suggest that dwindling political fortunes for both parties prompted the reunion. The Shiv Sena (UBT) experienced losses in the 2024 State Legislative Assembly elections. The MNS has also struggled to maintain a legislative presence.
The alliance faces a formidable challenge from the Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)). However, the united Thackeray front aims to revitalize the Marathi vote base and reclaim dominance in Mumbai’s civic affairs, particularly the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which has been a stronghold for generations.
The results of the January 16th election will be a critical test of the cousins’ ability to unite their supporters and revive their political fortunes in a rapidly changing Maharashtra.
First Piper 