BJP Leader Critiques Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's Alliance as Politically Motivated

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a BJP minister, has sharply criticized the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, suggesting it is motivated by electoral self-interest. He questions Uddhav's leadership and claims he has betrayed public trust and his father's legacy. Bawankule highlights the significant decline in Uddhav's party's local body seats and predicts a similar fate in Mumbai. As the 2026 municipal elections approach, the political landscape is shifting, with concerns about the implications of the Thackeray alliance on broader coalitions in Maharashtra. This evolving situation raises questions about the future of political dynamics in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 14:53 IST

Criticism of Thackeray Alliance

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a minister and BJP leader from Maharashtra, has openly criticized the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, labeling it as driven by electoral self-interest. He questioned Uddhav Thackeray's leadership, asserting that he has betrayed public trust and his father Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule stated that this coalition is merely an attempt to preserve political power while the citizens of Mumbai are focused on development.

He accused Uddhav Thackeray of attempting to destabilize the state and making statements for electoral gain, claiming that no one believes his outdated rhetoric. Bawankule emphasized that Uddhav has lost the public's trust.

Allegations Against Uddhav Thackeray

The BJP leader remarked that Uddhav Thackeray's alliance with Raj Thackeray has led to incidents such as the display of Pakistani flags following the victory of Uddhav's candidate in Dharashiv. He urged the media to inquire about such occurrences, asserting that these actions would never have been accepted by Balasaheb Thackeray. Bawankule noted that the need for the cousins to unite arose after their party faced a significant defeat in the local elections, indicating that they would not receive sympathy votes.

He pointed out that Uddhav Thackeray's party has drastically reduced its local body seats from 228 to just 8, predicting a similar fate in Mumbai. This, he claims, is why they have chosen this path, and he congratulated them for it. Bawankule asserted that the people of Mumbai will vote for development.

Future Political Landscape

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has committed to developing Mumbai as an international city, presenting a model for this vision to the public. Bawankule expressed confidence that their party's manifesto would lead them to victory in the elections. He emphasized that the alliance between the two brothers will not garner them sympathy votes, as they will struggle to contest all municipal seats due to a lack of grassroots support.

As the 2026 municipal elections approach, the alliance between Shiv Sena-UBT and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has sparked political reactions. Shiv Sena leaders have voiced concerns over perceived betrayal of Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy and dissatisfaction among party workers regarding seat distribution. Meanwhile, Congress leaders have raised questions about the potential impact of this alliance on broader political coalitions in Maharashtra, fearing a rift within the ruling coalition. Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare remarked that the tribute paid by Raj and Uddhav Thackeray at the Shivaji Park memorial will not be forgiven by either the late leader or the Marathi people.