Maharashtra municipal polls: Uddhav, Raj Thackeray's reunion after 20 years, alliance announcement shortly
The cousins visited the Balasaheb Thackeray memorial in Mumbai before formally announcing their alliance shortly ahead of the high-stakes municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 2026.
In a significant political development ahead of the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray are set to formally announce their alliance after jointly paying tribute at the Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial followed by a press conference, underscoring an attempt to revive the Thackeray legacy through a united front.
The cousins visited the memorial in Mumbai earlier and are now formally announcing their alliance for the high-stakes municipal corporation elections due in January 2026.
Uddhav-Raj's alliance for upcoming polls
The two leaders are scheduled to reach Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial at Shivaji Park at 11 this morning. They will offer floral tributes at the site and then proceed to the Blue Sea Hotel, where they will address a joint press conference.
The Maharashtra municipal corporation elections are scheduled to be held on January 15, 2026, with the counting of votes on January 17.
Seat-sharing talks
Leaders of the two parties held a late-night meeting on Monday, during which seat-sharing talks reportedly reached a final stage. Sources said that a broad understanding has been achieved, although Raj Thackeray was believed to be in favour of announcing the alliance only after all discussions are fully concluded.
An NCP reunion on cards?
Parallel discussions are also underway on forming a wider anti-BJP front in Pune, involving the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Ajit Pawar led NCP. Ajit Pawar is reported to have spoken with Congress leader Satej Patil to explore the possibility of a Congress-NCP alliance in the city. However, these talks have not progressed for now.
Meanwhile, the Sharad Pawar faction is still considering whether to align with Shiv Sena UBT or the Congress. A key meeting involving Supriya Sule and other senior leaders is expected to take place in Mumbai today, where a final decision is likely to be taken.
The high-stakes elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the cash rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, will see the Mahayuti and the MVA locked in a battle for dominance across the state’s major urban centers on January 15. The counting of votes will take place on January 16.
Also read: NCP reunion likely on cards; BJP, Shiv Sena finalise strategy