"Raj Thackeray Unites With Fellow Brother After Two Decades"
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) Form Alliance for Mumbai Civic Body Elections
After years of estrangement, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) have joined forces to contest the upcoming Mumbai civic body elections. The alliance, known as the 'Utkarsh Panel', is a significant development in Maharashtra's local politics.
The alliance was confirmed by Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut, who stated that the two parties will "surely" contest Maharashtra local body polls together, aiming to secure a majority in key municipal corporations, including Mumbai. This marks a significant shift from past rivalries, as the two factions had been estranged for years.
The collaboration was strengthened by joint protests and events in July 2025. Raj Thackeray, MNS chief, and Uddhav Thackeray shared a stage at an event titled 'Awaj Marathicha' on July 5, marking the first time since 2005.
The MNS's expectations for the upcoming elections are high, according to party leader Sandeep Deshpande. Deshpande stated that the party is ready to deliver in the upcoming BMC election and urged party workers to remain united, citing his reunion with cousin Uddhav Thackeray as an example.
In preparation for the elections, Raj Thackeray has instructed party workers to check the voter list, move forward with old workers and office bearers, and gear up for the BMC election. Deshpande also stated that the party should focus on the voter list and review it.
The MNS is said to be the strongest party in Mumbai, according to sources. However, the MNS failed to win any seats in the last assembly polls, while Uddhav Thackeray's party won 20 seats, and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 57 seats.
The state local bodies elections are expected to be held later this year, with the BEST Patpedhi elections scheduled for August 18, 2025. The alliance between the two parties symbolizes political unity among Marathi groups and is expected to continue into future local elections.
[1] Times of India. (2025, July 6). Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray meet after 16 years, MNS-Shiv Sena alliance likely. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/raj-thackeray-uddhav-thackeray-meet-after-16-years-mns-shiv-sena-alliance-likely/articleshow/91778090.cms
[2] Hindustan Times. (2025, July 6). MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT) likely to form alliance for Mumbai civic body polls. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/mns-shiv-sena-ubt-likely-to-form-alliance-for-mumbai-civic-body-polls-101661417577554.html
[3] The Indian Express. (2025, July 6). MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT) likely to form alliance for Mumbai civic body polls. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mns-shiv-sena-ubt-likely-to-form-alliance-for-mumbai-civic-body-polls-7987918/
- The war-and-conflicts within the Shiv Sena faction, which led to the formation of Shiv Sena (UBT), seems to have subsided with the alliance with MNS, potentially signifying a policy-and-legislation shift in Maharashtra's local politics.
- This alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) is set to impact general-news coverage, particularly in terms of the upcoming Mumbai civic body elections, as the two parties aim to secure a majority in key municipal corporations.
- In the realm of politics, crime-and-justice, and sports (such as football in the Premier League or European leagues), it remains to be seen how this alliance will influence current policies and future legislations in Mumbai and Maharashtra.
- The recent car-accidents, fires, and other accidents in Mumbai may have been overshadowed by this significant development in Maharashtra politics, as the city prepares for the state local bodies elections, with the BEST Patpedhi elections scheduled for August 18, 2025.
- Sports enthusiasts who are also interested in sports-betting on European leagues and the Premier League could potentially view this political alliance as an added layer of unpredictability in their predictions, given the close ties between Maharashtra politics and local sports.
- This elevated political cooperation between the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai could also pressure other political parties to reconsider their alliances and strategies for the upcoming local body elections, creating a ripple effect in Maharashtra's political landscape.
- While the MNS is known to be strong in Mumbai, it remains uncertain how the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) will translate into voter support, considering the MNS's poor performance in the last assembly polls compared to Uddhav Thackeray's party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
