Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to Hold Joint Rallies for BMC Elections

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are set to address joint rallies starting January 5 as part of their alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. With voting scheduled for January 15, the cousins plan to engage voters across various locations in Mumbai. They are also expected to finalize their strategy in an upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, the BJP has criticized their alliance, claiming it reveals their true intentions. The political landscape in Maharashtra is heating up as these parties prepare for a crucial electoral battle.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 16:04 IST

Joint Rallies Announced for BMC Elections

Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), along with Raj Thackeray, the head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), will address joint rallies starting January 5 in preparation for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. This announcement follows their recent alliance for the upcoming elections, scheduled for January 15. Sources indicate that the Thackeray cousins will hold three rallies in Mumbai's western suburbs and at Shivaji Park. They are also expected to speak at rallies in Kalyan, Dombivli, and Mira-Bhayandar within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Additionally, a joint rally may take place in Nashik.

Potential Meeting of Thackeray Brothers

There is a possibility of another meeting between the Thackeray brothers on Thursday, where they will discuss the release of a joint manifesto and finalize their strategy for the BMC elections. This would mark their second meeting in two days. The alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS was officially announced on December 24, following days of speculation. Raj Thackeray stated that Mumbai would have a Marathi mayor this year, while Uddhav Thackeray criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting that other opposition parties might join their coalition.

BJP Criticizes Thackeray Brothers

The BJP has targeted the Thackeray brothers, claiming that their true nature has been revealed to the public. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde would secure a significant victory in the elections, aiming to 'crush the jihadi mentality.' Fadnavis emphasized their commitment to defeating this mentality in the municipal elections, expressing the goal of raising the saffron flag of the Mahayuti over the BMC on January 16.