Amid the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) campaign, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray stressed that their alliance goes beyond politics, representing a “Maharashtra dharma” to uphold the state’s honor. In a joint interview with ‘Saamana’, they criticized the current administration for neglecting Mumbai and Marathi pride, highlighting issues like infrastructure decay and encroachments.
Both leaders pledged to prioritize development, cleanliness, and safeguarding the local identity and interests of Maharashtra and its people. Uddhav Thackeray underscored the significance of their unity after two decades, asserting that Mumbai belongs to the Marathi community first. He emphasized the necessity of their alliance in the face of threats to Maharashtra’s identity.
Raj Thackeray described the upcoming election as a crucial moment for Maharashtra, emphasizing the need for unity to address the challenges facing major cities like Mumbai and Pune. He cautioned against external influences eroding the essence of Mumbai and diverting its resources away from the state. The cousins expressed concerns about the city being exploited by corporate interests and developers.
Addressing criticism from CM Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray defended their alliance against corruption allegations, accusing the ruling party of being controlled by outside forces. Uddhav Thackeray condemned the government’s actions, accusing them of undermining Marathi interests and democracy. The cousins highlighted their joint strategy to focus on grassroots campaigning rather than large rallies due to resource constraints.
They reiterated their commitment to the Marathi Manoos agenda and the implementation of their Joint Manifesto, which includes promises like a Marathi Mayor for Mumbai and initiatives to address water scarcity. The Thackeray cousins vowed to protect Mumbai’s essence and prevent its exploitation by private entities, emphasizing the importance of their unity in safeguarding Maharashtra’s pride.
