Uddhav Thackeray shrugs off doubts over tie-up with Raj Thackeray for high-stakes BMC polls: 'People know me'

Uddhav Thackeray who heads the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, and Raj Thackeray, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief, shared the stage at a rally in Mumbai in a show of unity in July last year. (File photo)

• Uddhav Thackeray defends alliance with Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
• He accuses BJP of using religious polarisation in elections
• Raj Thackeray warns against Hindi imposition, stresses Marathi identity

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Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has dismissed suggestions that his electoral understanding with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray could undo the more moderate political image he has cultivated in recent years, asserting that voters are well aware of his conduct and views.

According to an interview with NDTV ahead of the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Thackeray mounted a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of repeatedly injecting religious polarisation into electoral contests.

“I challenge the BJP to show one election in which they did not raise the Hindu-Muslim issue. This is a municipal election on civic issues. Why bring up religion and language differences?” he has been quoted as saying.

The remarks come after Uddhav Thackeray announced a tie-up with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray for the BMC polls, a move that has drawn intense political scrutiny.

Asked directly whether aligning with Raj Thackeray could dent his image as a leader who softened Shiv Sena’s earlier hardline reputation, Thackeray was categorical in his response. “No, because people know me... I am speaking to you in Hindi; we have never opposed any language. We all live together. Whenever an adversity strikes, our Shivsainiks do not ask anyone about their caste or religion,” he was quoted.

Turning his guns on Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, Thackeray accused him of deliberately conflating religious and linguistic identity. “Devendra Fadnavis distinguishes between Hindu and Marathi. When I say a Marathi will become the Mayor, he says a Hindu will take the post. Our fight is against this mindset,” he reportedly said.

On questions about the longevity of the alliance with Raj Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader struck a dismissive note. “When we were not together, you had questions. Now we are together, why are you worrying about the future?” he said, refusing to speculate beyond the immediate electoral context.

Thackeray was also asked why his party is not contesting the BMC elections in alliance with its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners, the Congress and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

He responded by saying that the coalition was not stitched together for this particular election. “Maha Vikas Aghadi was not formed (for this election), but still, we are not criticising each other. Mahayuti (NDA alliance) is there, but still they are criticising each other,” he said.

'Will kick you': Raj Thackeray's threat to UP, Bihar workers on Hindi 'imposition'

Even as Uddhav Thackeray sought to project inclusivity, Raj Thackeray sharpened his rhetoric on Marathi identity at a separate address to party workers.

Pitching the BMC polls as a turning point, the MNS chief warned that Maharashtra’s language, land, and identity were under threat.

He said that attempts to 'impose' Hindi in the state would not be tolerated, specifically naming migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. “People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I don't hate the language... But if you try to impose it, I'll kick you,” he said.

Describing the civic polls as critical for the future of Marathi people, Raj Thackeray said, “This is the last election for the Marathi man... If you miss this opportunity today, you will be finished.” He urged party workers to remain alert on polling day, adding, “If anyone comes to vote again, throw them out.”

On the other side of the political divide, Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde outlined the Mahayuti government’s development agenda at the launch of the alliance’s manifesto. Emphasising welfare and infrastructure, Shinde said, “Our development is for Marathis. We'll build multiplex theaters for them! Marathis, we'll do 10 times more for you.” He also spoke of housing, roads, pollution control and plans to make Mumbai a fintech hub.

With polling for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, scheduled for January 15 and counting set for January 16, the BMC election has become a flashpoint for competing narratives of identity, governance and development in Maharashtra.