Social media post sparks buzz: Will Raj Thackeray back BJP or Shinde Sena, sideline Uddhav in BMC polls?

Raj Thackeray

• Speculation rises over Raj Thackeray's potential alliance in Mumbai civic politics.
• Raj Thackeray's post on Bal Thackeray sparks debate on his political stance
• BJP-Shinde Sena alliance crosses majority in BMC, mayoral race remains open

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Speculation around Raj Thackeray’s next political move has intensified after a social media post marking the birth centenary of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, with many reading between the lines to gauge whether the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief may align with the BJP or the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), potentially distancing himself from cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray.

The buzz comes in the backdrop of shifting equations in Maharashtra’s civic politics, particularly after developments in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). In Mumbai, the contest for the powerful mayor’s post has gained momentum, especially after a lottery reserved the position for women candidates.

The BMC elections, held on January 15, 2026, produced a fragmented mandate. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (UBT) with 65 seats. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 seats, while Congress won 24. Smaller parties, including AIMIM, the NCP factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, and the Samajwadi Party, shared the remaining seats.

Numerically, the BJP and Shinde Sena alliance under the Mahayuti banner has crossed the halfway mark of 114 seats. However, the race for the mayor’s post has opened the door to multiple permutations and combinations, with even Shinde reportedly eyeing the top civic position.

It is in this politically fluid environment that Raj Thackeray’s remarks have drawn attention.

स्व. बाळासाहेबांची आज १०० वी जयंती. इतिहासात जन्म शताब्दी वर्ष अनेकांची साजरी झाली आहेत आणि होतील देखील, पण एखादी व्यक्ती हयात नसताना देखील ती लोकांच्या स्मृतीत रहावी, आणि त्या व्यक्तीने आज देखील एखाद्या प्रांताच्या राजकारणाला आणि समाजकारणाला आकार देत रहावं हे दुर्मिळ. हे फक्त… pic.twitter.com/iDRAjiYWSh

— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) January 23, 2026

Earlier, in the KDMC elections, the MNS -- despite having only five corporators -- extended support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which emerged as the single largest party with 53 seats. The BJP followed closely with 50 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) managed 11 in the 122-member civic body.

Notably, the KDMC polls had seen the Thackeray cousins come together for civic elections after nearly two decades. Following the MNS decision to back Shinde’s Sena, UBT leader Sanjay Raut said Raj Thackeray was “distraught” over the actions of local party leaders.

Against this backdrop, Raj Thackeray’s post on X, published on Friday to mark Bal Thackeray’s birth anniversary, has been closely scrutinised. In the message, he reflected on Bal Thackeray’s political style and principles, highlighting adaptability without abandoning core values.

“Even when Balasaheb had to take a flexible stance in politics at times, his love for the Marathi people didn’t diminish even by a fraction; on the contrary, it only grew stronger. These are the values instilled in us,” he wrote.

The line that has triggered widespread speculation followed soon after. “I give my word once again today: even if I have to take a slightly flexible stance at times in this completely transformed politics, it will never be for my personal gain or selfishness,” Raj Thackeray said, adding that his ideological anchor remained unchanged.

He went on to recall Bal Thackeray’s influence, stating that “seeing Balasaheb’s blazing love for the Marathi language, the Marathi region, and the Marathi people, thousands and lakhs of people joined him and went along with him -- I am one of them.”

The post began on a reflective note, underlining Bal Thackeray’s enduring impact on Maharashtra’s politics and society. “It is the 100th birth anniversary of Late Balasaheb today. Many birth centenary years have been celebrated in history and will be in the future too, but it is rare for a person to remain in people’s memories even after they are no longer alive,” Raj Thackeray wrote, asserting that Bal Thackeray’s influence continues to shape the region’s political and social landscape.

He also offered a critique of contemporary politics, lamenting what he described as declining principles and rising opportunism. “Today, loyalties are easily sold off.

Principles are casually discarded, and politics has become entirely opportunistic,” the post said, contrasting this with what he portrayed as Bal Thackeray’s era, when compromises of this nature were unacceptable.

Emphasising Bal Thackeray’s personal detachment from power, Raj Thackeray noted that “he himself had no craving for power, but he found satisfaction in seating an ordinary worker on a seat of power.”

Reflecting on legacy, he wrote, “Power comes and goes. Today’s power-holders tomorrow are reduced to mere nameplates, but only a few people can leave an impact that shakes generations.”

Raj Thackeray underscored continuity and responsibility, asserting that Bal Thackeray’s image and ideals remain untarnished. He pledged that the fight for the Marathi language and identity would continue, calling it a duty of the next generation and affirming, “And we will do it with determination; this is our word to the Marathi people.”