Fri Jan 09 20:32:00 UTC 2026: ### Uddhav Thackeray Lashes Out at Congress and BJP Amidst Maharashtra Civic Polls

The Story: Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray, in an exclusive interview on January 9, 2026, expressed his disappointment with the Congress party’s decision to break ties for the upcoming civic elections in Mumbai and 28 other cities in Maharashtra. He also criticized the BJP, accusing them of hypocrisy regarding Hindutva. Thackeray highlighted the reunion with his cousin, MNS leader Raj Thackeray, and expressed confidence in his party’s victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. He framed the election as a fight for Marathi pride and against the BJP’s alleged agenda to dominate Mumbai and impose a singular national identity.

Key Points:

  • Congress Split: Uddhav Thackeray voiced displeasure with the Congress party’s decision to sever ties for the upcoming civic elections.
  • BJP Criticism: He accused the BJP of hypocrisy regarding Hindutva, referencing an alliance in Ambernath.
  • MNS Reunion: Thackeray confirmed his reunion with MNS leader Raj Thackeray and expressed optimism about its impact on the 2029 elections.
  • BMC Elections: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election, involving over 1,700 candidates across 227 wards, is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
  • Marathi Pride: Thackeray emphasized the fight for Marathi pride and accused the BJP of trying to undermine it.
  • Anti-BJP Stance: He positioned his party as a force against the BJP’s “dictatorship” and imposition of “one language, one party, one election.”

Critical Analysis:
The timing of the MNS reunion just before the BMC elections strongly suggests a strategic move to consolidate Marathi votes, especially in light of the Congress’s departure from the alliance. Thackeray’s strong rhetoric against the BJP and his emphasis on regional identity serve to rally support and paint the BJP as an external threat to Maharashtra.

Key Takeaways:

  • The breakup of the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress indicates a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
  • The reunion of the Thackeray cousins highlights the enduring importance of family ties in Maharashtra politics and their potential to influence electoral outcomes.
  • The BMC elections are framed as a battle for regional identity and against the perceived dominance of national parties like the BJP.
  • The BMC elections serve as a barometer for the broader political climate in Maharashtra and the strength of the opposition against the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
  • Uddhav Thackeray is attempting to position Shiv Sena (UBT) as the primary defender of Marathi identity and regional autonomy.

Impact Analysis:

The outcome of the BMC elections will have significant implications for the future of Maharashtra politics. A victory for Shiv Sena (UBT) would boost the party’s morale and strengthen its position as a key player in the state. Conversely, a defeat could raise questions about Thackeray’s leadership and the party’s long-term viability. The election results will also influence the dynamics of the INDIA bloc at the national level, potentially affecting the opposition’s strategy for the 2029 general election. The success or failure of the Thackeray reunion could set a precedent for similar alliances in the future.

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