Mumbai Politics: Uddhav Thackeray Signals Alliance Openness Ahead Of Civic Polls, Asks Party To Prep For Solo Fight If Needed

With the municipal elections looming, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray convened a key meeting with district chiefs and coordinators in Mumbai to strategise the party’s approach. During the meeting, Thackeray instructed leaders to explore the possibility of forming alliances at the local level across Maharashtra. However, he also made it clear that if no alliances or coalitions materialize, the party should be fully prepared to contest all seats independently.

Following directions from the Supreme Court, the state government has initiated preparations for ward demarcation and reservation, signaling that local body elections may be announced soon after the monsoon season. Political parties have accordingly stepped up their election preparations. For Uddhav Thackeray, who regards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls as a do-or-die battle, preparations have been particularly intense. Over the past few weeks, he has held multiple meetings with office bearers, corporators, divisional heads, shakha (local branch) leaders, and coordinators, issuing clear instructions.

Uddhav has openly expressed readiness to form an alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming elections, though the MNS has not yet responded to the proposal. Meanwhile, the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena have also initiated talks with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, aiming to secure an alliance with him.

Uddhav Thackeray told district leaders, “We are positive about an alliance with MNS, but review and inform us about possible alliances or fronts at the local level. The party will decide where alliances should be formed.” He further instructed his teams to thoroughly analyze voter lists, focusing on the increase in voters since the last Lok Sabha elections, to identify bogus or suspicious entries. “Check how four million new voters were added, and bring any irregularities to light,” he said.

The rivalry between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde appears to be intensifying over winning Raj Thackeray’s support. For Uddhav, Raj’s backing is vital to secure Marathi votes and the numerical strength required in the municipal corporation. Conversely, Shinde seeks to enhance his credibility among Marathi voters by aligning with the “Thackeray brand.” Both camps are thus actively vying to bring Raj Thackeray on board.

At the Shiv Sena (UBT) foundation day event, Uddhav signaled his willingness for an alliance with MNS, stating he would do what is best for the state. Reacting to this, Eknath Shinde criticized Uddhav’s alliance efforts as desperate. However, reports indicate that Shinde is also working behind the scenes to win Raj Thackeray’s support.

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Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar commented on election strategies for local self-government bodies. Pawar stated that no final decision has been made yet regarding how the elections will be contested. He mentioned that the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Kisan Kamgar Paksha will sit together for discussions but expressed a willingness to contest elections jointly.

Regarding the Mumbai civic polls, Sharad Pawar said, “Uddhav Thackeray holds significant influence in Mumbai. We will deliberate on why we should not fight elections together. Among us, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is the strongest in Mumbai. We will discuss this collectively, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and the Shetkari Kamgar Paksha.”