Live BMC Elections 2026: Will retaliate if attacked by Mahayuti, says Uddhav Thackeray at alliance press conference

BMC elections live: Raj Thackeray also warned about gangs abducting children in the state, noting that some political groups are involved.

Speaking at the alliance press conference, Raj Thackeray said, “Whatever else we need to say, we will announce it in public rallies. In an earlier interview, I said Maharashtra is bigger than any dispute or fight, and today marks the beginning of our coming together. How many seats each party will contest or the exact numbers we will not reveal that now.” 

BMC elections live: Uddhav Thackeray appealed to all Marathi citizens, warning that any division now could be disastrous. He said, “If you falter, you will face consequences. If you break, you will be completely lost. Do not break, do not divide, and do not let the strength of the Marathi people weaken. A Marathi person usually does not give way, but if someone blocks their path, they will not let them pass.” 

The former chief minister accused certain forces of trying to “destroy Mumbai” and said continued infighting would be an insult to the Hutatma martyrs. He asserted that no one can ever take Mumbai away from the Marathi Manus. Referring to the BJP’s slogan “Batenge toh Katenge,” Uddhav Thackeray called upon Marathi voters to stay united, warning that any hesitation or division now would only weaken their collective strength.

Addressing the gathering, Uddhav Thackeray said that he and Raj Thackeray were standing on the stage together as “Thackeray brothers.” He recalled that their grandfather, Prabodhankar Thackeray, led the early struggle for Maharashtra, and later, after Mumbai became part of the state, Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray established the party. Uddhav Thackeray noted that the Shiv Sena is now approaching 60 years since its formation, underlining the legacy and history behind the moment.

BMC elections live: The two brothers Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackery have announced alliance for the BMC elections. 

BMC elections live: While addressing the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray said, "Mumbai will stay with us come what may." 

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray is addressing the press conference first. Alliance with MNS to be announced shortly. 

Maharashtra elections live: Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray's press conference is underway. 

BMC elections live updates: Reacting to the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the move was driven by desperation rather than vision. He claimed the alliance was a last attempt to protect their family legacy and political relevance. Poonawalla said that after the BJP and the Mahayuti secured a historic mandate in the Maharashtra local body elections and earlier in the Assembly polls, even long-time rivals are now coming together to safeguard their political existence. He added that the alliance lacks any clear mission or vision and is only an effort to hold on to power, forcing even former opponents to unite.

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are expected to announce the seat-sharing as well as the first list of candidates.

BMC elections live: Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, along with their wives, offer tributes to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and MNS leader Amit Thackeray are also present.

Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray arrived together in the same car in memorial. Their wives, Rashmi Thackeray and Sharmila Thackeray, arrived separately in another car. 

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray reached Shivaji park and will visit Babasaheb Thackeray's memorial. 

“Nothing will happen. When they were in power, they didn't do any development in Mumbai. The public will vote for development. The public will vote for Devendra Fadnavis's development plan for a developed Maharashtra. I am confident that no matter how many people come together, nothing will change the outcome… Raj and Uddhav ji parted ways. It was due to political reasons and for the same reason, they are coming together. I won't say it was due to lust for power, etc. Raj Saheb is our friend,” says Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule on Uddhav-Raj Thackeray reunion for BMC elections.

Maternal Uncle of MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Chandrakant Vaidya, on their reunion says, “I am very happy. For so many years, for so long, we have been trying, and today our efforts are bearing fruit. Thanks to our ancestors, to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, and to all of you.”

The Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar will kick off its campaign for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections today. Ajit Pawar is scheduled to address a rally in Chembur as part of the campaign launch. NCP state president Sunil Tatkare will also be present at the rally. The event is being organised by MLA Sana Malik, and senior leader Nawab Malik is expected to attend as well.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced that Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will formally come together today to declare an alliance. He called it a “moment of joy for Maharashtra and the Marathi people.” Raut noted that for 20 years, the Thackeray brothers had been apart, causing setbacks for the state. “Now, to teach the BJP a lesson and stop the ongoing exploitation in Mumbai, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have joined forces,” he said. 

BMC elections live: NCP leader Ajit Pawar has called a meeting of his party MLAs today at 7 pm at his official residence, Devgiri Bungalow. The meeting will focus on strategies for the upcoming municipal elections, including the allocation of responsibilities to party legislators. MLAs will also be consulted on the possibility of forming an alliance with Sharad Pawar’s party in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, as discussions over seat-sharing continue.

According to sources, the NCP (SP) has asked the Congress for 53 seats in Mumbai. Meanwhile, in the alliance with Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar has demanded 22 seats. The Congress plans to contest the elections in Mumbai independently but is also negotiating a possible alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. Two rounds of talks have already taken place. Congress has offered 60 seats, while Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi is pushing for a 50:50 split. Senior NCP leaders stated that if the party gets 53 seats, the alliance in Mumbai will be confirmed.

BMC elections live: Seat sharing talks are underway between the NCP (SP) and Congress. 

According to sources, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded 112 of the 227 seats in Mumbai from the BJP for the upcoming BMC elections. So far, the BJP has offered him 90 seats, but Shinde is not satisfied with the allocation. Citing recent local election successes and strong urban support, Shinde insists on a larger share. He claims that traditional Shiv Sena voters in Mumbai are unlikely to vote for the BJP in front of the Thackeray factions, which is why he is pressing for 112 seats. Shinde also reportedly highlighted Shiv Sena’s strong strike rate in assembly, parliamentary, and municipal elections. He warned that if more seats in Mumbai witness a Shiv Sena vs Shiv Sena contest, the Uddhav-led Sena and MNS may not perform well on issues of development and Hindutva.

The final list of candidates and symbols will be released on January 3. Voting across 29 municipal corporations is scheduled for January 15, with counting and results to be announced on January 16.

A late-night marathon meeting took place between Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. The nearly five-hour-long discussion focused on forming alliances in Mumbai, Thane, KDMC, Mira-Bhayandar, and Navi Mumbai municipal corporations. Regarding the BMC, both parties have agreed on roughly 180 seats, but disputes remain unresolved on around 40 seats. In Thane Municipal Corporation, the BJP is pushing for an equal split of seats, but the Shinde-led Sena is not in agreement. Another meeting between party leaders is scheduled today to try and resolve the remaining seat-sharing issues. The Shinde faction has stated that the seat distribution is in the final stages and is expected to be finalised soon.

The nomination process for civic polls began on Tuesday. Nominations will be accepted till December 30, scrutiny will take place on December 31, and withdrawals are allowed until January 2.

Maharashtra elections news live: The official announcement of the Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance is expected at 12 noon. The press conference is likely to outline the alliance strategy for the upcoming civic elections.

Maharashtra news live: A meeting of the BJP’s election management committee will be held today. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 am at the party’s state office in Mumbai. State minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, and other committee members will be present. The discussion will focus on election campaigning, public meetings, and overall strategy. 

The nomination process for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections has officially started from the 23rd. On the first day itself, the civic administration distributed a total of 4,165 nomination forms to prospective candidates. However, despite the large number of forms issued, no candidate submitted a nomination on the opening day. 

Both leaders are scheduled to arrive at the memorial at 11 am. They will offer floral tributes and pay their respects to Balasaheb Thackeray before moving ahead with the day’s programme.

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray will begin the day by visiting Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial at Shivaji Park.

Maharashtra live: Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray prepare to make a major alliance announcement today. This development comes just 22 days before voting for key municipal bodies across the state.