BMC elections: Thackeray cousins formally reunite, say union necessary for welfare of 'Marathi Manoos'

hiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray

• Uddhav and Raj Thackeray unite ahead of Mumbai civic polls after two decades
• Shiv Sena (UBT) to contest 150 seats, MNS to field candidates in 77 seats
• BJP-led alliance dominated recent local polls, prompting Thackeray reunion

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In a significant development,  the Thackeray brothers -- Shiv Sena (UBT's) Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray formally joined hands on Wednesday, days ahead of  Mumbai civic polls.

Addressing the press, minutes after the formal announcement of the union, Uddhav Thackeray narrated how the Thackeray family collectively fought during the Maharashtra movement. In no uncertain terms, Uddhav reiterated that the cousins reunited after a gap of twenty years with a clear aim of safeguarding the interest of "Marathi Manoos".

Refusing to declare the names of candidates, the cousins stressed that the names of the candidates will be formally announced a few days before the polls. Answering a question on whether the new alliance is for the entire state, Raj Thackeray, unequivocally stated that the seat-sharing arrangement has been finalized for two specific cities until now-- Mumbai and Nashik.

Raj Thackeray said, "Maharashtra is bigger than any quarrel; we are announcing that our alliance has been formed, the mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi and will be ours." The UBT Sena also sees the alliance as one that will speak for the cause of the Marathi Manoos.

It is widely believed that the announcement was fast-tracked looking at the outcome of local body elections in Maharashtra last week – in which the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance dominated, winning 207 of 288 posts -- underscoring the size of the challenge faced by the opposition.

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will reportedly contest 150 seats, while the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will field candidates in the remaining 77 seats. The BMC has 227 seats.

In 2006, Raj was miffed over his cousin Uddhav's elevation as the undivided Sena’s working president. He walked out of the party and floated the MNS. The reunion of Thackeray cousins after two decades could mark a tectonic shift in Mumbai's political landscape.

For the united Thackerays, the BMC will certainly be a battle for the survival of the family brand. A defeat in the BMC—the source of the Sena's financial and organisational power for decades—would be a near-fatal blow.

For decades, Thackerays having championed the cause of the Marathi manoos. Marathi speakers, considered core Thackeray supporters, comprise about 26 per cent of Mumbai’s population. Muslims, about 11 per cent of the city’s population, are also likely to align with non-BJP forces. This, analysts feel, should worry the BJP. Another 11 per cent Dalit population of the city also holds the key.