Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray highlighted that the alliance with Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) goes beyond seat numbers, aiming to protect the ‘Marathi Manoos’ presence in Mumbai and beyond. The specifics of seat-sharing will be disclosed in due course by the relevant parties. Thackeray confirmed that a Marathi individual will hold the position of Mumbai’s Mayor under the MNS-Shiv Sena coalition.
Thackeray, alongside Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, announced the formal partnership for BMC elections, stressing the alliance’s significance rooted in preserving Marathi culture. He urged the media to back the alliance, emphasizing the importance of supporting Marathi interests over political affiliations. Thackeray defended the alliance against claims by the ruling BJP that it was motivated by power rather than the welfare of Mumbai.
The BJP, overseeing BMC elections, accused the Thackeray cousins of uniting for political survival rather than Marathi interests. State Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar criticized the alliance as a move driven by fear and insecurity, dismissing it as a ploy for political gain. The alliance’s focus on Marathi identity and people’s pride was questioned by Shelar, who labeled it as a self-serving strategy.
