AIMIM Considers Alliance with Uddhav Thackeray Ahead of Mumbai Elections

The Maharashtra unit of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) appears to be leaning towards forming an alliance with the Thackeray faction (Shiv Sena-UBT led by Uddhav Thackeray) ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and local body elections. Aditya Thackeray has publicly urged all non-Mahayuti parties to unite for the benefit of Maharashtra. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with all parties for the state's welfare. In response to Aditya's initiative, AIMIM MLA Mufti Ismail stated that he wishes to see both Uddhav Thackeray and Asaduddin Owaisi come together. He emphasized that they would seriously consider Aditya Thackeray's proposal, stating that religion is not a political issue for them and they are open to discussions focused on development. If invited for talks on development, they are ready to participate actively.

Mufti further mentioned that the final decision will rest with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. During the last assembly elections, they attempted to form an alliance and wanted to be part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), but were not included. Although an invitation has now been extended, there remains skepticism about whether they will genuinely be included. As the BMC elections approach, Uddhav Thackeray has expressed a desire to reconcile with his cousin Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Speaking at an event organized by the Shiv Sena's trade union branch, the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, Uddhav emphasized the need to set aside past differences for the broader interests of Maharashtra's language, culture, and development.

This indication of reconciliation follows recent comments made by Raj Thackeray during a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, where he expressed a willingness to work with Uddhav Thackeray for the greater good of the state, setting aside minor disagreements. Uddhav called for moving beyond trivial disputes and appealed to all Marathi speakers to unite for the interests of Maharashtra and the Marathi language. He highlighted the importance of collective action, especially in response to the current issue of industries relocating from Maharashtra to Gujarat, a matter he claims did not receive adequate support from Raj during the Lok Sabha elections.